Coachcast

By England Football LearningSports Soccer

Coachcast episodes

July 12, 2023S3 Ep21: Chris Day – making football inclusive
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
To today’s guest, coaching is all about being open to lifelong learning, showing an interest in players’ lives and developing connections to understand them and meet their needs.
For Disability Awareness Day, we speak with Chris Day, who, since recording, has been appointed as the England deaf women’s head coach. We discover how Chris got into coaching and he shares advice for coaching players with disabilities. Chris holds a wide variety of other roles that have him scouting for top talent, running a post-education program, running a grassroots team and more!
We speak in depth about disability football and Chris offers a wealth of actionable tips for coaches working in disability football and for those looking to get involved. We speak about making mainstream and grassroots football as accessible as possible, whilst providing options for those who would be better supported in other formats. We get insights into the different disability formats that are available and info about upcoming tournaments that we can expect to see.
Covered in this episode -
The best way for players and coaches to get involved with disability football

Top tips for coaches working or looking to work in disability football

Courses for coaches specifically for disability football

The less obvious strengths that can show that a player has the potential to go onto the talent pathway

Advice to coaches to ensure sessions are more inclusive to players with disabilities

How do we ensure more people with disabilities are getting involved in football?

What does the term ‘para’ mean in Para football?
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our ⁠England Football Community forum⁠ (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via ⁠[email protected]⁠.
LEARN MORE
⁠England Football Learning⁠ – https://learn.englandfootball.com/
⁠England Football Community⁠ – https://community.thefa.com/
⁠England Football Learning on YouTube⁠ –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
⁠England Football Learning Twitter⁠ – https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning
LISTEN
⁠Anchor⁠ – https://anchor.fm/coachcast-thefa
⁠Spotify⁠ – https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id1591804808

Editing and show notes by ⁠Clarion
40 min
June 28, 2023 S3 Ep20: Pro Licence insights – Amy Merricks, Lee Grant and Steve Bould
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
Earlier in the season, we spoke with three learners on the UEFA Pro Licence course. In this special episode, we learn about their roles in the game and their transition into coaching. They also share their thoughts on the key skills they think coaches need and plenty of top coaching tips, as well as their experiences on the Pro Licence so far.
Amy Merricks, who since this interview has left Brighton and is now the head coach of England women’s under-19s, joins us first. Amy talks about her coaching experiences and offers advice for new coaches who may be finding their initial sessions daunting. Amy champions the power of connecting with others and gives us some great communication tips.
We also speak with Ipswich Town first-team coach, Lee Grant. We hear about how the transition has been from playing as a goalkeeper to becoming a coach. Lee gives us insight into what the first-team coach role involves and shares key insights from some of the Pro Licence visitors; from media and communications experts to a hostage negotiator.
And finally, we speak with Steve Bould, head coach of Belgian side Lommel SK. Steve offers advice for coaches looking into stepping into first-team management. He opens up about the challenges he’s faced and his favourite part of being a coach. He also highlights the importance of sharing with, and working alongside, other coaches and offers advice to help players deal with winning and losing.
Covered in this episode:
• The transition to coaching from three perspectives.
• What the UEFA Pro Licence course involves.
• Top priorities when planning out session design.
• What questions coaches should be asking players.
• Tips for working as part of a coaching pair.
• Key skills people need to become a coach.
• Tips for coaching more effectively on a matchday.
• Advice for dealing with winning and losing.
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via [email protected].

LEARN MORE
UEFA Pro Licence course – https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/football/uefa-pro-licence
England Football Learning – https://learn.englandfootball.com/
England Football Community – https://community.thefa.com/
England Football Learning on YouTube –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
England Football Learning Twitter – https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning

LISTEN
Anchor – https://anchor.fm/coachcast-thefa
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id1591804808

Editing and show notes by Clarion.
31 min
May 31, 2023S3 Ep19: James Riches – how PE and play develops skilful players
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
The power of imagination and play can both make for a more enjoyable experience for players and also help to develop their skills.
In this episode, FA regional PE officer James Riches returns to share his journey so far and to explore how we can develop skilful players through PE. James draws from his experiences to provide valuable advice for aspiring coaches and teachers, particularly for those who work with children.
James has taken on a wide range of teaching and coaching roles, including as a coach for Leeds United. He shares how he’s used the transferable skills gained from these experiences to add to his current role. We learn about the vast differences between teaching and coaching and the power that PE has in helping to develop skilful players. James also shares advice on managing difference and developing players across all four corners of The 4 Corner Model, not just their technical and physical abilities.
James emphasises the importance of play when it comes to developing kids. He offers actionable advice on how to harness the power of informal games during sessions. We also speak about encouraging the use of imagination to solve problems and how this allows players to develop. You can also join in the conversation on the community - ⁠what games did you play as a child?⁠
Covered in this episode -
What does James enjoy most about coaching?

The key attributes and skills that go into making a transformational coach

The differences between teaching and coaching and what to keep in mind when taking on both roles

Tips for teaching groups that differ greatly in ability

James’ biggest success story

How can coaches use PE to promote each section across the FA’s 4 Corner model to develop multiple skills at once?

How the STEP framework works to help design sessions that support all players
Ideas for games that teachers and coaches can use in their sessions
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our ⁠England Football Community forum⁠ (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via ⁠[email protected]⁠.
LEARN MORE
⁠England Football Learning⁠ – https://learn.englandfootball.com/
⁠England Football Community⁠ – https://community.thefa.com/
⁠England Football Learning on YouTube⁠ –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
⁠England Football Learning Twitter⁠ – https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning
LISTEN
⁠Anchor⁠ – https://anchor.fm/coachcast-thefa
⁠Spotify⁠ – https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id1591804808

Editing and show notes by ⁠Clarion⁠.
44 min
May 17, 2023 S3 Ep18: Sam Griffiths – from player to coach
Transcript on England Football Community⁠
You, as a coach, reflect your players, and your players reflect you. FA coach development officer, Sam Griffiths, shares why this is and how this dynamic has come into play in her coaching journey. In this episode, we dive into Sam’s story so far and hear her advice for new coaches handling the transition from playing to coaching.
Sam inspires more females into coaching as part of the women and girls’ team for the East Midlands. She started playing football as a child before being scouted for the local centre of excellence. Since then, she’s had a plethora of different experiences, from working with her local council to her role as a head coach. And we learn how these experiences have shaped Sam as a person and a coach.
Sam ultimately transitioned from playing to coaching after suffering an injury. She shares with us the challenges of dealing with being forced to stop playing, and the internal battle of finding an identity as a coach rather than a player. Sam champions honesty with yourself and with others, and she shares how she implements this into her coaching.
In this episode, we cover:
• the skills and attributes that make a transformational coach
• how to balance the need to win with the desire to develop players
• the challenge of showing up for players how they need you to be
• the power of being open to feedback and being honest with yourself
• if coaching her own friends helped or hindered her coaching ability
• how to deal with critical parents on the sidelines
• ‘overcoaching’ and how to avoid it
• the Silent Support Weekend - how it works and its positive impacts
• top tips on developing communication skills
• advice for new coaches on planning sessions.
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via [email protected].
LEARN MORE
England Football Learning – https://learn.englandfootball.com/
England Football Community – https://community.thefa.com/
England Football Learning on YouTube –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
England Football Learning Twitter – https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning
LISTEN
Anchor – https://anchor.fm/coachcast-thefa
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id1591804808

Editing and show notes by Clarion.
47 min
May 03, 2023S3 Ep17: Ollie Monksfield – winning gold and developing deaf footballers
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
In this episode, Ollie Monksfield shares his journey as a deaf footballer and coach on the Para football regional emerging talent program. Ollie supports players in their journey to progress to the development program and potentially become an England deaf player.
Ollie lost his hearing at a young age and we learn about the challenges he faced growing up and how he progressed from the sports hall to being a gold medalist with the Great Britain team. We learn about the most influential roles that Ollie has held, including head coach of the London blind team.
Ollie shares plenty of actionable advice for those coaching players with disabilities. We learn about how coaches can adapt their communication for players depending on how they learn best.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Key attributes and skills people need to make them a transformational coach

The false assumptions some make about deaf people

How coaches can adapt their communication to support players with a disability

How do you strike the balance between challenge and support?

Advice for teachers integrating a deaf child into a mainstream school PE lesson

How sign language can be used to support deaf players and the difference between BSL and SSE

How deaf footballers can get involved in the Para Talent Pathway

Advice for aspiring coaches

Where can coaches get more information about coaching deaf players?
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via [email protected].
LEARN MORE
Access the transcript for this episode – https://community.thefa.com/coaching/podcasts/coachcast/w/coachcast-transcripts/1468/episode-seventeen-ollie-monksfield---winning-gold-and-developing-deaf-footballers
England Football Learning – https://learn.englandfootball.com/
England Football Community – https://community.thefa.com/
England Football Learning on YouTube –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
England Football Learning Twitter – https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning
LISTEN
Anchor – https://anchor.fm/coachcast-thefa
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id1591804808

Editing and show notes by Clarion
35 min
April 19, 2023S3 Ep16: Nimesh Patel – going beyond your comfort zone
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
In this ‘top-tips’ packed episode, FA regional coach development officer for the east, Nimesh Patel, covers topics such as managing difference, communication and the impact you can have on a player’s journey by showing you care.
Our conversation spans over a variety of key coaching topics, where Nimesh shares the clear and thoughtful insight that he’s gathered and implemented throughout his career. He reflects on his mentor’s attributes that impacted his experience and shaped the values he shares in his own role and coaching practice today.
We discover how a coaching journey isn’t always easy but, resilience, patience and exploring varied experiences can make all the difference.
You’ll also hear some clear and actionable advice on defending which is one of Nimesh’s passions.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
key attributes and skills that make a transformational coach

how PARA football can be a great way to develop your coaching skills

advice on getting to know your players

that coming out of the comfort zone can make the biggest impact

player pathways in disability football

how to create inclusive sessions

how to tweak your communication to motivate and engage players

information on the before, during and after of defending and pressing

community chat questions on maintaining a love of the game whilst progressing a player and best practice for formations in younger age groups.
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via [email protected].
LEARN MORE
England Football Learning – https://learn.englandfootball.com/
England Football Community – https://community.thefa.com/
England Football Learning on YouTube –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
England Football Learning Twitter – https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning
LISTEN
Anchor – https://anchor.fm/coachcast-thefa
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id1591804808

Editing by Clarion
51 min
April 05, 2023 S3 Ep15: Chris Lowe – the power of PE
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
Physical Education helps kids develop across the FA Four Corner Model - technical/tactical, psychological, physical, and social. In this episode, FA Physical Education officer for the West Midlands, Chris Lowe, explains how.
We discover his journey, from his positive experiences with learning football in school to his coaching and FA positions today. Chris and the team aim to help people in the area provide Physical Education and deliver a dynamic learning experience.
You’ll hear top advice for PE teachers looking to empower their students better, as well as tips for those looking to get involved in PE teaching. Chris also talks about his experiences with the Barclays Girls’ Football School Partnerships and as a volunteer coach for a grassroots team.
We also cover:
• Why PE is so important for kids and how to keep them engaged.
• What are the key attributes of a transformative coach?
• Which skills are transferable between coaching and PE teaching?
• What is it like to coach the grassroots team that your child plays for?
• What drove Chris to join The FA?
• How can coaches ensure that they get their message across during a session in the time that they have?
• The modules and courses available for those wanting to get involved in PE and how to get started.
Chris’ 20+ years of experience playing football and his expertise in teaching and coaching are invaluable to PE teachers and coaches alike.
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via [email protected].
LEARN MORE
PE CPD for Teachers - https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/PHYSICAL-EDUCATION
England Football Learning - https://learn.englandfootball.com/
England Football Community - https://community.thefa.com/
England Football Learning on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
England Football Learning Twitter - https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning
Email - [email protected]

Editing by Clarion.
29 min
March 22, 2023S3 Ep14: Ian Parkes – grow your coaching skills with futsal
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
With the growing popularity of futsal, more coaches are asking the question “Why should I get involved?” In this episode, we sit down with Ian Parkes – FA youth coach developer and lead for futsal – to discover his journey into the game and learn how others might do the same.
Ian explains the basics like what futsal is and how it’s played. He also shares his insight on the benefits that playing futsal can have on a player’s football game. We learn about “court cultures” and the differences in futsal he experienced when playing international teams.. We also discuss the key attributes and skills that make a transformational coach, and how coaches can get involved with futsal.
Answered in this episode:
How did Ian get into coaching?

How does futsal differ around the world?

What skills can kids obtain through playing futsal?

What equipment and knowledge do coaches need to introduce futsal?

What support is there for futsal coaches, or football coaches who want to start providing futsal opportunities?

Is futsal growing in popularity?

Your community question!
If you’re curious about futsal, don’t miss our chat with Ian!
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via [email protected].
LEARN MORE
England Football Learning – https://learn.englandfootball.com/
England Football Community – https://community.thefa.com/
England Football Learning on YouTube –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
England Football Learning Twitter – https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning
LISTEN
Anchor – https://anchor.fm/coachcast-thefa
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id1591804808

Editing by Clarion
38 min
March 08, 2023 S3 Ep13: Bex Garlick – building connections with players
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
Knowing your players is about more than just knowing their physical abilities. In this episode we speak with Bex Garlick, FA national coach development lead for women and girls, to learn more.
Bex and her team work towards getting more females into coaching and delivering the coach development offer to coaches in the East. We learn about her first experiences of football and the challenges that she faced being the only girl in the team. And we hear that she never got the opportunity to be coached in school, but that her passion for teaching and football put her on a clear path towards coaching.
Bex shares many powerful insights into how coaches can better understand their players and what they should be learning about them. She offers strategies on how to engage players and improve their social skills resulting in a better experience for all.
In this episode you’ll discover:
• What skills does a transformational coach need?
• Who has been Bex’s biggest inspiration?
• The body language to look out for so that coaches can communicate better with players.
• Managing players’ energy levels and keeping up interest.
• How coaches can use observation to understand their players.
• What ‘WINGS’ stands for and how it can help you have conversations about what you’ve observed with your players.
• Should communication be tailored to different age groups?
• Tips on managing difficult emotions.
• Dealing with conflict based on what you already know about individuals.
—————
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum/3174/coaching-problems-and-questions) and post them there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via [email protected].

LEARN MORE
England Football Learning – https://learn.englandfootball.com/
England Football Community – https://community.thefa.com/
England Football Learning on YouTube –
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
England Football Learning Twitter – https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning

LISTEN
Anchor – https://anchor.fm/coachcast-thefa
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id1591804808

Editing by Clarion
48 min
February 22, 2023S3 Ep12: Vicky Fisher – opportunities, belief and development
⁠Transcript on England Football Community⁠
Vicky Fisher’s opportunities for playing football when she was at school were limited as a female. But it didn’t stop her from pursuing her goals - and having someone who believed in her made all the difference.
In this episode, we chat with Vicky and learn about her role in helping to develop female coaches as an FA Coach Development Officer. Vicky shares with us the touching story of how she got into coaching and her first experiences as a coach. We uncover the challenges that Vicky has faced along the way and get some top advice for young girls starting their coaching journey.
We also cover -
What are the traits of a good role model?

What’s the difference between PE teaching and sports coaching?

How did Vicky end up coaching in Dubai, and how does coaching in Dubaidiffer from in the UK?

What are the benefits of coaching a team while also supporting othercoaches?

How to motivate yourself for a coaching session when you’ve had a bad day.

The benefits players experience outside of football.

Top tips for ensuring your players are having fun.
Vicky’s journey is an inspiration and our chat is packed with actionable advice for aspiring coaches.
………………..
Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum and post them in there. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via [email protected].
Relevant resources:
England Football Learning website
England Football Community
England Football Learning YouTube channel
England Football Learning Twitter
41 min

About Coachcast

From the publisher's feed

'Coachcast’ by England Football Learning, is a coaching podcast designed to give you expert insight, session ideas and a platform to discuss your coaching questions and challenges.