Tips

The English FA’s move to 3v3 at U7 from the start of the 2026/27 season is based on a simple idea: younger players develop better when they are more involved in the game. The FA says 3v3 is intended to give children more chances to learn, play, make decisions, score and stop goals. That idea […]

Starting your journey as a youth soccer coach can feel daunting. You might be wondering: What should I focus on? Am I doing the right things? How do I help my players improve? After 22 years coaching grassroots football, I’ve learned that success isn’t about complex tactics or formations. Research suggests it’s often the simple

They think about substitutions They replay key moments They question decisions Often, this happens in the car on the way home Then it fades But research consistently shows that structured post-match reflection is one of the most important drivers of coaching improvement Not just reflecting on team performance Reflecting on YOUR coaching This article explores

“It’s not just about training players, it’s about educating players.” – Brendan Rodgers Most coaches can plan and deliver a session.  The level will be variable, but drawing up a training plan is achievable for most. Educating our players on the other hand, is far more challenging. I’m comfortable admitting that I have made a

The following article looks at teaching foundation phase players how to maximise space.  U8 players learn to move in activities where they see most of the ball, U10 players learn movement through small group activities and U12 players learn to move to create space for themselves and team mates. “How do I teach my players

The following article looks at teaching foundation phase players off the ball movement.  U8 players learn to move in activities where they see most of the ball, U10 players learn movement through small group activities and U12 players learn to move to create space for themselves and team mates “In most scenarios, it isn’t the

The following article looks at teaching foundation phase players awareness on the field of play.  U8 players learn awareness on the ball by lifting their head, U10 players learn awareness receiving a ball by checking their shoulders and U12 players learn full field awareness on and off the ball. “Football is played with the head. 

Coaching soccer for the first time can be daunting. Whether you are experienced in watching the game or not, standing there with a group of players waiting to see what you can offer them is something else entirely. I can still remember how nervous I felt the night before my first session. Thankfully, I had

Coaching a foundation phase team can be a thankless task. As much fun as being on the field running a session, coaching a game and seeing a kid progress can be, a lot happens behind the scenes that most are oblivious to. Early mornings, miles of travel, field setup, disagreements, chasing payments…the list is endless.

The new season is upon us. The excitement, the energy, the (for some) sleepless nights are ramped up to 11! It is also a time to visualise just how much our players will develop over the coming year. One of the great thing about Foundation Age players is that, if the right tools are in

The debate as to whether rotating positions for players at youth level is one that will continue to develop for a long time. There are those who believe that players should be pigeon-holed, for a variety of reasons. Then there are those who believe that position rotation will benefit their long term individual and collective

Despite all the knowledge that we have at out fingertips, the sight of youth coaches acting like John Sitton on the sideline in games is all too familiar. It’s not entirely their fault. Courses don’t always prepare new coaches well enough for game day coaching.  It is an entirely different beast to practice.  When all