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?

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