Shouting From The Sidelines

Luke Towning

The podcast for parents, coaches & teachers involved in children's sport.

We've got the best advice from professional sports coaches, pro athletes and everyone in-between to help you through the highs, lows and craziness of kids sport from grassroots to elite level.

Brought to you by Foot-Tech Academy.

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21 episodes
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Avg 38 min
English

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Monday · 29 min
#64 Playing Up in Youth Football: What Nobody Tells Parents
Does playing up an age group actually make your child better at football? Plenty of parents think it does. And sometimes it can help. But nobody talks about the hidden costs of always playing up, and that's what this episode is all about. I break down how kids really improve at football through gradual overload, and why rushing them into older or higher ability groups can cost them their enjoyment, their time with their mates and the time and space they need to actually develop. I explain when playing up does make sense, like for the bigger, stronger child who needs a level playing field, and why even academy players can benefit from one easier session a week where they can relax, try things and be top dog again. I share how an underload session helped a Man City academy player and why two of our former players came back to us from academies just to play. I also cover the child who's struggling and needs dropping down, why parents need to take ego out of it, and where to find the right sessions for your child. And I finish with the story of a dad who was worried his 5 year old would pick up bad habits at a holiday camp. Kids just want to play. Let them play. Foot-Tech Academy sessions and holiday camps in Leeds: https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/ Coaches, check out Online Football Courses: https://onlinefootballcourses.com/?gi=a5c1a13bb6887e052044a8c3ca01d318467a4c6e Enjoying the podcast? Follow the show and leave us a review. It really does help.
August 5 · 21 min
#63 My Son Was Released For Being "Too Small" - Here's What I'd Actually Do
A friend's son, 13, has just been released from his JPL team for physicality, not football ability. In this episode I share the advice I gave, what I'd do if it was my own child, and why the obvious first move (gym work, extra one-to-ones) can actually hold kids back. A must-listen for any football parent who's been here or worried they might be. Subscribe for more from Shouting from the Sidelines. Join a Foot-Tech Academy session at foot-techacademy.co.uk or explore our coaching courses at onlinefootballcourses.com.
July 9 · 1 hr 13 min
#62 We Killed Street Football, Here's What Kids Need Instead
Street football is dying out, and it's not coming back the way it was. In this episode I sit down with Nick from NM One to One Coaching to talk about why, and what kids actually need instead. We get into why free play matters more than structured drills, how academies can accidentally kill a child's love for the game, why intrinsic motivation beats parental pressure every time, and why "late bloomers" so often turn out to be the most naturally gifted players. If you're a football parent, a coach, or someone who grew up playing on the street and wants to understand what's changed, this one's for you. Nick runs NM One to One Coaching in North Lancashire and South Cumbria. Find him on Instagram: nm1_2_1coaching Brought to you by Foot-Tech Academy, coaching over 1,100 children a week across North and East Leeds. Get our coaching ebooks: https://onlinefootballcourses.com Live in Leeds? Get your child involved in our football sessions: https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/
June 16 · 25 min
#61 What Makes a Great Youth Football Coach? (It's Not Football Knowledge)
What actually makes a great coach? It's not football knowledge. In this episode I explain why, and the six things that genuinely separate the coaches who develop children from the ones who don't. It's not about badges or how much a coach knows. It's how they behave, how they communicate, and the environment they create. I walk through six behaviours that make the real difference, with practical advice for both parents and coaches, and the research that backs it up. Want your child to train with us? Book a taster session: https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk Coaches, get our resources and ebooks: https://onlinefootballcourses.com
May 11 · 34 min
#60 7 in 10 Kids Quit Football Before They're 13 - Here's Why
Seven in ten children quit organised sport before they turn 13. A huge part of the reason is how adults speak to them when things go wrong. In this episode of Shouting from the Sidelines we talk about something that happens every single weekend at grassroots football - coaches and parents who genuinely care, but whose words are quietly doing damage. Not through malice. Just through habit, and not knowing any different. This episode covers the research behind positive reinforcement in youth sport, the 5:1 Magic Ratio, and what good coaching feedback actually looks and sounds like in practice. We also breaks down the "connect before correct" principle, explains why asking kids questions beats telling them every time, and gives parents three simple things they can do differently on the sideline this weekend. Want to join one of our sessions in North and East Leeds? Book a free taster at: https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/ Looking to develop your coaching? Browse our ebooks at: https://onlinefootballcourses.com/ Foot-Tech Academy coaches over 1,100 children weekly across North and East Leeds, using a games-based approach built around child development and a genuine love of the game. New episodes every month.
April 20 · 1 hr 20 min
#59 Red Flags, Green Flags & The Truth About Kids' Football Coaching
This month, we were invited onto Robert Ursell's podcast Raising Footballers Unfiltered - and the conversation was too good not to share with with out listeners! Rob is a former professional footballer and England Futsal international, now based in Dubai where he runs The Futsal Academy. We have been going back and forth on Instagram for a couple of years - agreeing on some things, pushing back on others and this episode is that conversation in full plus loads more. We cover: What is the constraint-led approach and does it actually work?We break down how Foot-Tech structures sessions from the moment kids arrive, why 100% opposed training is non-negotiable and how we get even complete beginners learning through the game. "They're not ready for opposed training yet" — the biggest myth in youth football?Both coaches address the most common pushback they receive head-on, and share why the research tells a very different story. Red flags every parent should know aboutFrom sessions that look more like dance rehearsals than football, to coaches using kids as extras in their own highlight reels, to the "we'll get your child scouted" promise - we break down the content and coaching practices parents should be wary of. Green flags to look for when choosing a sessionIf you've never played football yourself and you're trying to find the right environment for your child, we explain exactly what to look for (and it's simpler than you might think). Why academy success is not the only measure of successOne of the most important conversations in this episode. We challenge the idea that getting into an academy is the only goal and make the case for what football really gives kids over a lifetime. What authentic coaching content actually looks likeAs two coaches who both put content out regularly, we talk honestly about the difference between content that genuinely helps parents and content that's just selling a dream. This one is honest, unfiltered and packed with stuff every football parent in the UK needs to hear. To find more out about Rob and The Futsal Academy see here - https://thefutsalacademyuae.com/ Coaches, for games-based session plans that we use at Foot-Tech head over to https://onlinefootballcourses.com/ If you're a parent in Leeds looking for a high quality, fun football training program for your child come along for a free taster session at one of our classes - https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/
March 18 · 1 hr 2 min
#58 We’ve Coached 1,000+ 1-to-1 Football Sessions…Here’s What We Learned
Some parents think 1-to-1 football coaching is the fastest way to help their child improve…but the reality is more nuanced than that. In this episode, we break down what we’ve learned from delivering over 1,000 one-to-one football sessions with young players. We talk about why parents seek out 1-to-1s, what they’re really hoping for, and what these sessions can (and can’t) realistically do. We also share where 1-to-1 coaching genuinely helps, where it can actually hold players back, and how it fits into a child’s overall football development. If you’re considering 1-to-1 coaching for your child, this will give you a clear, honest understanding of whether it’s the right step and how to approach it properly. In this episode, we cover: Why parents look for 1-to-1 football coaching What parents really mean when they make certain requests What 1-to-1 sessions can’t fix Where 1-to-1 coaching can make a real difference Who benefits most (and who may not) When 1-to-1s can work against development What good 1-to-1 coaching actually looks like Why environment matters more than just “more training” This is an honest conversation designed to help you make better decisions for your child’s development without the noise of social media. If you found this helpful subscribe for more parent-first insights into children’s football and development. Parents in Leeds, try one of our football sessions - https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/ Grassroots football coaches, check out our games-based session plans to use with your team - https://onlinefootballcourses.com
February 26 · 30 min
#57 Accepting Where Your Child Is in Football (Why Pushing Too Soon Can Backfire)
Sometimes the hardest part of parenting in sport is accepting where your child is right now. In this short solo episode, we talk about why parents often feel pressure to push children into higher groups, A teams, or “elite” squads and why development doesn’t always work that way. We explore: Why comparison creates pressure What “development isn’t linear” actually means When challenge helps and when it becomes too much Why playing with better players doesn’t automatically lead to improvement What a good coach is really thinking when they suggest a different group This episode isn’t about holding children back.It’s about giving them the right environment to build confidence, keep enjoying football and develop at their own pace. If you’re a parent feeling unsure, pressured or worried your child is “behind”, this one is for you. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a review and subscribe. Join our football sessions in Leeds: https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/ Grassroots coaching drills & ebooks: https://onlinefootballcourses.com/
January 21 · 44 min
#56 Why Kids Keep Making The Same Mistakes (It's NOT Skill)
Why do children keep making the same “mistakes” in matches even when they seem to know what to do in training? In this episode, we explore a common frustration for parents and grassroots coaches and explain why the answer is often not a lack of skill. During games, children aren’t consciously recalling instructions or techniques. Instead, they rely on habits - the behaviours and decisions they’ve repeated most often in their football experiences. That’s why: Players can look confident in training but freeze or play safe in matches The same mistakes keep showing up on game day Constant instructions from the sidelines rarely lead to better decisions We discuss: How decision-making in football is largely unconscious The difference between training performance and match behaviour Why habits matter more than instructions What parents and coaches can focus on to support better long-term development This episode is for: Parents trying to understand what they’re seeing on match days Grassroots coaches looking to improve decision-making without adding pressure Anyone interested in child development through sport Useful links Online resources for grassroots coaches: 👉 https://onlinefootballcourses.com Leeds-based parents, try one of our sessions: 👉 https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/ If you enjoy this episode, please follow or subscribe and share it with a parent or coach who’s asked, “why does this keep happening?”
Dec 5, 2025 · 34 min
#55 Q&A - How much training? Mixed Teams? Behaviour Issues?
In today’s episode, we dive into three BIG questions from grassroots football parents and coaches. The kind of issues every junior football team eventually faces.From mixed-ability under-7 teams, to how much football a young kids should do, to handling misbehaviour and lack of focus…we break it all down with honest, experience-based advice. We start with a dilemma many clubs will recognise: mixed teams vs A/B teams. When some parents want results, others want development, and friendship groups matter…what’s the right answer? This question gives a real insight into just how tough coaching at grassroots level can be, especially when volunteers are caught between player needs and parent expectations. Next, we tackle a huge parent worry: How many football sessions should a young child do? We discuss enjoyment vs overload, balance, spotting signs of genuine passion, and why parent-led pressure can quickly turn football into a job rather than a joy. This is essential viewing for any parent with a football-mad child. Finally, we dig into one of the most common coaching challenges: misbehaviour, lack of focus, and keeping players engaged. We share practical solutions around session design, arrival activities, transitions, behaviour expectations, praise strategies, and communicating with parents. If you coach primary-age footballers, this part is gold. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why mixed teams can work and when they start causing problems How to manage parent expectations without compromising your ethos The real answer to “How much is too much football for a young child?” Why enjoyment should guide everything Practical behaviour-management tools that work in real sessions How to design sessions that reduce messing about and increase engagement Comment on the episode: Tell us — what’s the biggest challenge YOU face as a grassroots parent or coach? Subscribe: So you don’t miss future episodes supporting football parents and coaches. Coaching resources: Visit https://onlinefootballcourses.com/ for ebooks, guides, and practical tools for grassroots coaches. Join our sessions in Leeds: Give your child a fun, pressure-free football environment they’ll love. Try a free taster session - https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/
Nov 24, 2025 · 31 min
#54 The Physical Side of Kids’ Football: What Parents Really Need to Know
Most parents worry when they see their child getting kicked, pushed, or knocked over in football — and that’s completely normal. But here’s the part nobody tells you: Those little bumps and tackles are one of the BEST ways for children to grow confidence, resilience, toughness and real game understanding. In today’s episode, we break down the physical side of kids’ football…what’s normal…what to ignore…and what actually helps your child long-term. We talk about: Why kids foul each other far more by accident than on purpose How to help your child become more confident in tackles Why you shouldn’t panic when they hit the floor The mindset shift parents NEED to make What coaches should (and shouldn’t) be doing Why resilience is built through PLAY, not pressure How the best players in the world learned to love physical contact When you should speak to the coach Why entering the pitch is the worst thing a parent can do What to do if your child gets fouled all the time Why physicality can’t be taught in 1-1 sessions — but CAN be developed elsewhere Whether your child is shy, timid, super technical, or pushing towards academy level… this episode will help you understand what’s really happening on the pitch and how to support them in the best way possible. Try a Foot-Tech Session (Leeds) If you want your child to grow confidence, resilience and game understanding in a fun, pressure-free environment… our weekly sessions are perfect.👉 Book a taster session: https://foot-techacademy.co.uk/ Our Football eBooks & Coaching Guides Grassroots football coaches, want easy-to-use games you can play at home or coaching sessions designed the Foot-Tech way?👉 Browse our eBooks: https://onlinefootballcourses.com/ Tell us in the comments: What’s your child like with tackles? Confident? Hesitant? Avoids them? Loves them? Anything you/they need help with? If you enjoyed the episode: Subscribe to the channel and share this with another football parent or coach. Thanks for watching.
Oct 20, 2025 · 30 min
#53 4 Tips to Help You Survive Your First Season as a Grassroots Coach
Just taken over a grassroots football team? In this episode, we break down 4 practical tips that’ll save you stress, help you connect with your players, and make your first season a success. From managing parents to keeping sessions fun and simple, this is your survival guide for grassroots football coaching. Whether you’ve volunteered to coach your child’s team or are just starting your grassroots football journey, this episode will make your life easier, create sessions kids love, and hopefully help you enjoy the ride! Also, check out our NEW grassroots coaches website - https://onlinefootballcourses.com/ This is a brand new resource for coaches where we'll be providing sessions plans and info which is simple to use and tried and tested by our coaching team. Our first ebook, The Simple Guide To Coaching Scanning, is available now. Let us know what you think.
Sep 22, 2025 · 30 min
#52 Resilience in Young Children: How Parents Can Help Kids Bounce Back from Setbacks
Football isn’t just about skills and goals — it’s about how kids handle the tough moments. In this episode, we dive into how parents can help their children build resilience when they face setbacks like rejection, injury, or just having a tough game. We’ll cover: Why resilience matters for kids in sport and in life Common challenges young players face (injuries, rejection, mistakes) Practical things parents can do to support their child’s growth Simple strategies to help children develop long-term resilience Resilience is like a muscle — it grows with practice. The more our kids experience little setbacks (with our support), the stronger and more confident they become both on and off the pitch. If you’re a parent or coach who wants your child to enjoy football, stick with sport long-term, and learn life lessons along the way, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe if you found this helpful. Share your own stories about resilience in the comments — we'd love to hear them.
Aug 26, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
#51 From Academy Coach to Academy Dad
What’s it really like being on both sides of academy football — as a coach and as a parent? In this episode we sit down with Leroy McIntosh, a former professional academy coach turned academy dad. Leroy’s journey started at Huddersfield Town before moving into a senior role at Barnsley FC, giving him a front-row seat to the realities of youth development in English football. Now, he’s living it from the other side of the pitch as a football parent. His son has spent time at Leeds United, Manchester United, and Manchester City, before signing for Man City Academy U9s. Leroy joins us to share his unique perspective: the lessons he’s carried over from coaching into parenting, the challenges of academy football, and the advice he’d give to other mums and dads supporting their kids in the system as well as grassroots football in general. In this episode we discuss: What Leroy would change about the academy system The key lessons he learnt as a coach that now help him as a football parent Practical tips for mums and dads navigating academy and grassroots football How to support your child without adding pressure If you’re a football parent, grassroots coach, or just curious about life inside the academy system, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Jul 14, 2025 · 46 min
#50 Football Fitness For Kids: Everything You Need To Know
Are you still making kids run laps and do bleep tests to “get fit” for football? There's a better (and more enjoyable way). In this video, we break down: What football fitness actually means for kids Why long runs and isolated drills don’t work The science behind children's recovery, VO2 max, and strength development What coaches and parents should do instead How to build football-specific fitness through play, games, and decision-making Whether you're a grassroots football coach or a football parent, this episode will hopefully help you think differently about football for fitness for kids. No more outdated methods. Let's create enjoyable, effective football training that actually helps kids develop. Research papers/further reading: Manna, I. (2014)Growth, Development and Maturity in Children and Adolescent: Relation to Sports and Physical Activity. Marta, C. et al. (2013)Determinants of Physical Fitness in Prepubescent Children and Its Training Effects. Armstrong, N., & Welsman, J. (2020)The Development of Aerobic and Anaerobic Fitness with Reference to Youth Athletes. Bailey, R. et al. (2012)Participant Development in Sport and Physical Activity: The Impact of Biological Maturation. Baxter-Jones, A.D.G. et al. (2005)Controlling for Maturation in Pediatric Exercise Science. Sannicandro, I. et al. (2024)Developing Physical Performance in Youth Soccer: Dynamic–Ecological vs. Traditional Training. Viru, A. et al. (1999)Critical Periods in the Development of Performance Capacity in Childhood. Prasad, N. (1996)The Relationship Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Capacities in Prepubertal Children. Granacher, U. et al. (2016)Effects of Resistance Training on Muscular Fitness and Athletic Performance in Youth. Seifert, L. & Davids, K. (2016)Ecological Dynamics: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Sport Performance.
Jun 12, 2025 · 26 min
#49 The Power of Play - The Missing Piece in Kids Football?
Is play the missing piece in your child’s football development and overall well-being? In this episode, we explore why unstructured, free play is crucial for kids—not just for becoming better footballers, but for developing confidence, resilience, creativity, and social skills. From research-backed insights to real coaching experience in Leeds schools and sessions with toddlers to teen. We cover: ⏱️ What’s inside: 00:00 – Intro: Why play is overlooked in football 01:30 – What unstructured play actually means 03:50 – Football skill benefits backed by research 07:10 – The rise in screen time + decline in movement 10:00 – Tips for coaches: how to build play into sessions 13:00 – Tips for parents: how to encourage play at home 17:00 – Final thoughts: blending play with purpose If you're a parent or coach who wants their child to fall in love with football, improve their skills naturally, and grow as a human—not just a player—this episode is a must. Study Credits:- Sustainability Journal (2023) on play vs. structure Nybakken & Falco (2022) on skill acquisition LEGO Foundation on the 6 Cs of development Play-Based Learning as a Tool in Enhancing Physical Skill Development of Children: Hafees Tosin Sulyman1,*, Jawad Olayemi Olosunde1, Akeem Opeyemi Raheem2 The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Develoment in Young Children: Michael Yogman, MD, FAAP, Andrew Garner, MD, PhD, FAAP, Jeffrey Hutchinson, MD, FAAP, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD,d Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, PhD,e
May 21, 2025 · 24 min
#48 How to Help Your Child Focus Better in Football Without Overcoaching
“Keep your knee over the ball!” “Bend your leg!” “Lock your ankle” If you’ve ever shouted these phrases from the sideline (or heard a coach do it), this episode will change how you give instructions when coaching football or playing with your child in the garden. We break down the powerful difference between internal vs external focus — and why telling kids how to move could actually hurt their performance. You’ll learn: Why telling kids what to do with their body parts is often the wrong during youth football A quick fix to help kids learn football skills faster Practical examples of external focus cues that boost performance Metaphors, missions & mindset shifts for playful, purposeful coaching Whether you're a parent, grassroots coach, or just trying to help your child fall in love with the game, the tips in the episode can really help. Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe for more content on child development through football. Studies: Influence of attentional focus distance on motor learning of skilled children - Francisco Milton Gonçalves Pereira Júnior, Giordano Marcio Gatinho Bonuzzi Effects of Internal, External and Preference of Attentional Focus Feedback Instructions on Learning Soccer“Head Kick” Bülent Okan Miçooğulları and Sadettin Kirazcı, Ömür Serdal Altunsöz The Effect of External Focus Distance on Learning Shooting for Beginners Male Soccer Players - Aiman Sarhan A systematic review of motivational and attentional variables on children’s 2 fundamental movement skill development: The OPTIMAL theory. 3 Thomas Simpson, P. Ellison, E. Carnegie and D. Marchant Frequent External-Focus Feedback Enhances Motor Learning - Gabriel Wulf
Apr 16, 2025 · 25 min
#47 4 BIG Mistakes We've Made Coaching Kids Football (And How to Avoid Them!)
As kids football coaches, we wish we'd known a few things when we first started. Over the years we've made plenty of mistakes. In this episode, we're sharing 4 of our biggest coaching mistakes and the lessons we've learnt which make for useful tips for grassroots coaches and football parents. This honest, practical discussion is perfect for youth football coaches, grassroots soccer volunteers, football parents and anyone involved in coaching kids. Foot-Tech Academy is a children’s football coaching school in Leeds. For more about what we do visit our website - https://www.foot-techacademy.co.uk Join our football classes in Leeds: 5-14 year olds 2-4 year old (pre-school football) 121 football coaching School holiday camps
Mar 12, 2025 · 27 min
#46 A & B Teams in Grassroots Football: Good or Bad?
Should young footballers be placed into A & B teams? Is it helping their development or holding them back? In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of ability-based team selection in grassroots football, how it affects player confidence, development, and motivation, and what parents and coaches need to know. Key Topics Discussed: - Why do clubs use A & B teams in youth football - Do B-team players get left behind? - The impact on confidence, self-esteem, and development - Late bloomers vs. early developers - Does early selection matter? - Solutions: How can clubs do better? - Advice for parents & coaches on supporting young players If your child has ever been placed in a B team or you're a coach navigating team selection, this episode is for you! Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Feb 10, 2025 · 27 min
#45 Why We Ditched Ladders & Hurdles for Real Football Speed & Agility
Are agility ladders and hurdles really making your child or players faster on the pitch? For Football Parents & Coaches - whether you're coaching a team or supporting your child’s football journey, these insights will help you maximize their development. In this episode, we break down why traditional speed drills don’t translate to real football movement and what you should be doing instead. What You’ll Learn: Why agility ladders & hurdles don’t improve true football speed The difference between quick feet & real agility in match situations What science says about reaction-based training vs. rehearsed drills Better ways to train speed & agility for young footballers How to help your child or players move faster & smarter in real games

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