Ben and Mike mark 50 episodes with a tournament win that means way more than it should. They laugh, cringe and nearly cry as they relive the game, the chaos, and the goal that set off a celebration even more embarrassing than Mike’s tiny car.

They relive every kick from the tournament and talk about what these little moments really mean as dads and coaches. They also reflect on two recent friendlies: a dominant display against the Greens where everything clicked and a tough loss to the Blues that tested their mentality and their coaching egos. Plus, they look back on what they’ve learned across 50 episodes — the mistakes, the progress and the moments that make it all worthwhile.

Also in the mix: how training’s finally clicking, set-piece genius (sort of) and whether launching their own tournament is the best or worst idea they’ve ever had.

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

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Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

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This week, Ben and Mike sit down with Paul Horwood, co-founder of PL One Goalkeeping, the leading goalkeeping academy in Essex.

From transforming our very own Alby into confident shot-stoppers to dealing with parents on the sidelines, Paul shares honest, practical advice for coaches navigating the unique challenges of developing youth goalkeepers.

Drawing on his extensive experience, Paul shares insights into spotting natural talent, prioritising confidence and bravery over perfect early technique and fostering mental development.

He addresses common coaching mistakes, emphasising realistic, game-related sessions and the power of quiet encouragement over shouting.

The discussion also covers developing passing and footwork and the crucial role of play and fun in a goalkeeper's growth. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to help young keepers thrive.

Football DNA is the ultimate platform for coach and player development: https://footballdna.co.uk/sessions/

Where to find PL1: https://pl1goalkeeping.co.uk/

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

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This week, Ben and Mike are joined by renowned neuroscientist and best-selling author, Dr Dean Burnett, to explore what’s really going on inside young players’ minds and why even the calmest parents can turn into full-blown lunatics on the touchline.

From daydreaming and memory lapses to executive function and emotional regulation, Dean unpacks the science behind how children develop and why grassroots football is a uniquely chaotic learning environment for players and parents alike.

They also dig into the long-term impact of sideline behaviour, the real risks of head injuries and how sport shapes social and cognitive growth.

Where to find Dean: https://www.deanburnett.com/

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.