Ben and Mike kick off the new season with equal parts optimism and exasperation. Pre-season friendlies brought slick football, impressive wins and a series of great goals, but also reminded the coaching duo not to get too carried away.

The first league match against Hullbridge Sports was supposed to be routine – until the boys froze on the grass, the opposition dug in and a last-gasp equaliser left everyone deflated. Off the pitch, Ben admits that old habits of snapping at his son have crept back, leading to emotional car rides, guilt, and even a heartfelt letter of apology.

From training drills with countdown shot-clocks to managing fragile confidence, the dads wrestle with whether they’re helping their kids or just piling on pressure.

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