It's Only Kids Football

By: Ben Welch and Mike Clark
  • Summary

  • Ben Welch is figuring out how to be a decent kids football coach and a better Dad.


    He's joined by coaching experts, ex-pros as well as football industry folk and internet friends to help him navigate the minefield of parenting and grassroots kids football.


    It's meant to be for fun, but sometimes it's hard to remember - It's Only Kids Football.


    Links: https://linktr.ee/itsonlykidsfootballpodcast

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ben Welch
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Episodes
  • The coach that transformed the way our kids play football
    Apr 21 2025

    This week, Ben and Mike are joined by Frankie Hession-Harris, the mastermind behind Ballers Elite. In this episode, we hear about Frankie’s experience playing in the U.S. college system and how it shaped his approach and why he believes repetition, ball mastery, and 1v1s are the real building blocks of brilliance.


    He explains why he stays quiet on the touchline, how mixed messages from coaches and parents can cloud young players' minds and how Ballers creates confident kids who play with flair and freedom.


    We also get the lowdown on Frankie’s role as a Tottenham Hotspur scout for U7–U14s, including what really separates a grassroots player from an academy-level baller.


    Frankie also gives his honest take on Alfie, Raph, and Fred—what they’re getting right, where they can grow, and how their journeys reflect the bigger picture of youth development. So sit back, relax and maybe, just maybe, learn how to keep your mouth shut on the sidelines.


    Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.


    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/

    Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    56 mins
  • When coaching your kid breaks your heart
    Apr 14 2025

    Ben and Mike are back and this one gets messy. Fresh from an unforgettable visit to Tottenham’s training ground, where their sons squared off against academy talent, the dads are riding high on pride... but it doesn't last long.


    The team gets dismantled by a man-child on a mission to break every goalscoring record in a single game and when emotions boil over, complete with full-blown meltdowns from both boys during and after the match, Ben and Mike are left asking: Are we doing more harm than good?


    From the highs of watching their sons shine at a Premier League training ground to the gut punch of wondering if their kids want them to walk away from the team, the lads get honest about the impossible tightrope of being both parent and coach.


    Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.


    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/

    Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    53 mins
  • Why your behaviour could make your child quit football
    Apr 7 2025

    Ben and Mike are joined by some actual experts this week – which is a first. Ex-pro Katie Chapman and psychologist Dr. Simon Moore are here to drop some truth bombs about how we really impact our kids' game.


    Turns out, it's not just about the kids on the pitch. We're diving deep into sideline confessions, with Ben and Mike admitting they've been part of the problem.


    During their fascinating chat, they explore the fight for control – why parents struggle to let go, why it all goes so wrong, angry outbursts and baffling instructions. Will Ben and Mike learn anything? Will you? Tune in to find out what you're getting wrong and how to fix it.


    Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.


    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iokfootball/

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Itsonlykidsfootballpodcast/

    Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 7 mins
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