Football Coaching

[snoopy87]

17 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

Sums up kids football the last two weekends. Last week one of the best matches we’ve played in three years, today one of the worst.

 I feel your pain. Can go from being capable of annoying the best, to looking like they've never seen a football before. It is painful at times.

[snoopy87]

Looks like our run of results towards the end of term have saved us from dropping a level, which I'm pleased for the boys about. May also have something to do with where the sides we've beaten have placed themselves for the leagues resumption in January.

 

Going to be difficult when we return looking at who has been placed in our level. Lots of teams dropping a level, one dropping two levels (here we go ). Can see some tough Sunday mornings on the horizon.

[snoopy87]

After 5 long weeks, we finally managed to get our game on yesterday. Could see a lot of rustiness in there, made hard work of it, some even looked like they'd never seen a ball before, but we managed to grab a deserved win in the final minute of the match.

 

Phew!!!!!

[snoopy87]

Heartbreak yesterday. Game heading for a draw and our keeper chucks two in the back of his net in the final 2 minutes.

 

Poor kid was distraught, ever so reliable normally as well. Horrible position to play and I am really am amazed kids put themselves through it.

[snoopy87]

Looking for a little advice here.

 

Got two boys in my side who have been friends since reception at school. One is my lad. They've gone all the way through school, started football together and are back playing together after I took on my lads team. My son has had issues with a bully at their school, which prompted us to move him recently. Before this, there seemed to be a bit of needle between them. The hope it would all calm down after a half term break away from each other and no longer seeing each other at school evaporated on their first day back training together!

 

Now my son won't be innocent, he can get anyone's back up on a football pitch, but he is a bloody decent player and understands the game very well, which in a mixed ability team will have its problems as he can certainly play at a higher level. The other lad is probably one of, if not the weakest player in the side currently.

 

Now the issue I am having is these two are at it constantly at training. It's being picked up by some of the other boys in the team. The other lad on the main is the protagonist, where he will come in and just start mouthing off. My son isn't one to back down (even though we've repeatedly told him to ignore it) and starts nibbling back. The other kid has a very high opinion of himself and puts my son down, who for whatever reason always believes people when the tell him he is no good at things.

 

I'm at a point now where he's getting agitated about training. What do I do? The parent of the other lad has been in touch asking what to do. I'm going to take them both to one side at training next week to see if I can iron it out, or at least set some rules where they just don't speak with one another, but that's not really in the spirit of the team I'm trying to build.

 

I'm at a loss with this one.

[SystonFox]

i think you are right to get them together but get them one on one  to nail this out also. i know one lad being your son won't be easy as my lad doesn't want to talk to me about football or matches (i coach his team also!) and he doesn't take coaching or advice from  me well. he mainly plays upfront and although i was a defender back in my day he just doesn't seem to listen to me on that.

 

but firstly i'd get them one on one with yourself (safeguarding guidelines adhered to, obviously!) and then get them together to try and talk it out maybe pre training? 

 

how old are these lads you're coaching? i do under 11s and it's tough at times. my team have been through some fantastic times over the years and also some bad. Not one kid has walked away and the core remains the same. I've lost kids to the team above as they've developed (all due to my coaching, i am sure) so we have had to sign new players who aren't as good as the ones i've lost, naturally.

 

kids football is great. but not without it's challenges. i watch so much of it, and i watch so much youtube / insta content it's unreal.

[Tommy G]

14 minutes ago, snoopy87 said:

Looking for a little advice here.

 

Got two boys in my side who have been friends since reception at school. One is my lad. They've gone all the way through school, started football together and are back playing together after I took on my lads team. My son has had issues with a bully at their school, which prompted us to move him recently. Before this, there seemed to be a bit of needle between them. The hope it would all calm down after a half term break away from each other and no longer seeing each other at school evaporated on their first day back training together!

 

Now my son won't be innocent, he can get anyone's back up on a football pitch, but he is a bloody decent player and understands the game very well, which in a mixed ability team will have its problems as he can certainly play at a higher level. The other lad is probably one of, if not the weakest player in the side currently.

 

Now the issue I am having is these two are at it constantly at training. It's being picked up by some of the other boys in the team. The other lad on the main is the protagonist, where he will come in and just start mouthing off. My son isn't one to back down (even though we've repeatedly told him to ignore it) and starts nibbling back. The other kid has a very high opinion of himself and puts my son down, who for whatever reason always believes people when the tell him he is no good at things.

 

I'm at a point now where he's getting agitated about training. What do I do? The parent of the other lad has been in touch asking what to do. I'm going to take them both to one side at training next week to see if I can iron it out, or at least set some rules where they just don't speak with one another, but that's not really in the spirit of the team I'm trying to build.

 

I'm at a loss with this one.

If you thought Rowett had issues, think again!

[Kinowe Soorie]

On 10/03/2026 at 14:26, snoopy87 said:

Looking for a little advice here.

 

Got two boys in my side who have been friends since reception at school. One is my lad. They've gone all the way through school, started football together and are back playing together after I took on my lads team. My son has had issues with a bully at their school, which prompted us to move him recently. Before this, there seemed to be a bit of needle between them. The hope it would all calm down after a half term break away from each other and no longer seeing each other at school evaporated on their first day back training together!

 

Now my son won't be innocent, he can get anyone's back up on a football pitch, but he is a bloody decent player and understands the game very well, which in a mixed ability team will have its problems as he can certainly play at a higher level. The other lad is probably one of, if not the weakest player in the side currently.

 

Now the issue I am having is these two are at it constantly at training. It's being picked up by some of the other boys in the team. The other lad on the main is the protagonist, where he will come in and just start mouthing off. My son isn't one to back down (even though we've repeatedly told him to ignore it) and starts nibbling back. The other kid has a very high opinion of himself and puts my son down, who for whatever reason always believes people when the tell him he is no good at things.

 

I'm at a point now where he's getting agitated about training. What do I do? The parent of the other lad has been in touch asking what to do. I'm going to take them both to one side at training next week to see if I can iron it out, or at least set some rules where they just don't speak with one another, but that's not really in the spirit of the team I'm trying to build.

 

I'm at a loss with this one.

I’ve been having a few issues with the behaviour from my team, actually getting fed up with it and lack of support or interest from the parents. They were told recently at training, if they misbehave, they’ll be sent home.

Lots of things I should have implemented from the beginning, but that’s hindsight for you.

Probably best to keep them away from each other when doing drills etc, then on the same team if you do a mini match?

[snoopy87]

3 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

I’ve been having a few issues with the behaviour from my team, actually getting fed up with it and lack of support or interest from the parents. They were told recently at training, if they misbehave, they’ll be sent home.

Lots of things I should have implemented from the beginning, but that’s hindsight for you.

Probably best to keep them away from each other when doing drills etc, then on the same team if you do a mini match?

Same boat.

 

Had to calm some of the idiocy down because it was getting too much. To be fair to them, since I told them they wouldn't play if they weren't paying attention and listening, they've been much easier to handle. Other than my current headache mind you.

 

Probably should have stamped this out much earlier, but I just thought it would blow over. Problem is, my son is very vocal and it's easier for me to rollock him than anybody else, so he looks like he's always in the wrong, where he genuinely isn't.

 

Yeah I'll be keeping them well apart for the drills just to create some distance. Can't put them on the same side in mini games because they'll start the minute my lad tries telling the other one where to go or what to do.

[Soar Fox]

How easy is it to set a kids football team up (under 10’s next season) or am I better off going to an existing club and asking them if they would be interested in taking another team. 

[Kinowe Soorie]

16 hours ago, Soar Fox said:

How easy is it to set a kids football team up (under 10’s next season) or am I better off going to an existing club and asking them if they would be interested in taking another team. 

I’d speak to local teams to see if they have any spaces available. If they have a 3G set up, that’s always a massive help in the winter months. Particularly so, with this last winter. So many matches were missed, due to the rain.

Some parents can be difficult! Any issues early on, get rid.

[Kinowe Soorie]

20 hours ago, Soar Fox said:

How easy is it to set a kids football team up (under 10’s next season) or am I better off going to an existing club and asking them if they would be interested in taking another team. 

I’ll also add, that depending on if you’ve done any coaching previously? You’ll need a DBS, first aid and an introduction to coaching qualification to be completed. Plus, lots of patience and free time that you never knew existed 

[Soar Fox]

5 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

I’ll also add, that depending on if you’ve done any coaching previously? You’ll need a DBS, first aid and an introduction to coaching qualification to be completed. Plus, lots of patience and free time that you never knew existed 

Is that the free one online, the EE playmaker course?

[Kinowe Soorie]

30 minutes ago, Soar Fox said:

Is that the free one online, the EE playmaker course?

It was a £100 when I did it, but refunded by the club. Looks like it might be £160 now.

 

[Kinowe Soorie]

Introduction to coaching football I think it’s called.

[snoopy87]

On 22/03/2026 at 14:25, Soar Fox said:

How easy is it to set a kids football team up (under 10’s next season) or am I better off going to an existing club and asking them if they would be interested in taking another team. 

I assume you are referring to just starting a new team and not a new club (that would be horrific).

 

Do have the numbers to get going immediately? If that's the case, speak to clubs and see if they are accepting new teams for your age group (I know mine is accepting applications). If you do not have the numbers, speak with clubs that have an academy running. You'll be able to build your side out of these club run sessions. AFC Andrews have a Saturday academy and a 3G. They look more and more appealing to me as the months go by!

 

15 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

It was a £100 when I did it, but refunded by the club. Looks like it might be £160 now.

 

Bloomin heck. That's gone up! For a course you get nothing out of other than a piece of paper to say your allowed to coach!

[Soar Fox]

2 hours ago, snoopy87 said:

I assume you are referring to just starting a new team and not a new club (that would be horrific).

 

Do have the numbers to get going immediately? If that's the case, speak to clubs and see if they are accepting new teams for your age group (I know mine is accepting applications). If you do not have the numbers, speak with clubs that have an academy running. You'll be able to build your side out of these club run sessions. AFC Andrews have a Saturday academy and a 3G. They look more and more appealing to me as the months go by!

 

Bloomin heck. That's gone up! For a course you get nothing out of other than a piece of paper to say your allowed to coach!

Just starting  new team but preferably out of an existing club. I’d be able to get the numbers and I’ve got a bit of decent funding behind me. It’s just knowing how to get the ball rolling (no pun intended) I’ve not been involved in kids football since 2005 and I didn’t realise how much has changed. The 2 men’s teams I have set up in the last 15 years were a bit more straightforward 

[snoopy87]

2 hours ago, Soar Fox said:

Just starting  new team but preferably out of an existing club. I’d be able to get the numbers and I’ve got a bit of decent funding behind me. It’s just knowing how to get the ball rolling (no pun intended) I’ve not been involved in kids football since 2005 and I didn’t realise how much has changed. The 2 men’s teams I have set up in the last 15 years were a bit more straightforward 

Just a case of getting in touch with clubs and seeing about if they have space. Ones you will struggle with are AP and Saffron Dynamo, most others in the county will probably be able to accommodate a new side. Probably best to get in touch soon mind, the new formats begin next season and I can see it being carnage for U9 - U11 due to pitch space.

 

You will definitely need the Introduction to Coaching, First Aid, Safeguarding children and valid DBS before you can properly begin. Get the IT2CF booked ASAP as it can be a long wait to start if you miss the current blocks, unless you have a FA level 1 coaching badge.

[Kinowe Soorie]

12 minutes ago, snoopy87 said:

Just a case of getting in touch with clubs and seeing about if they have space. Ones you will struggle with are AP and Saffron Dynamo, most others in the county will probably be able to accommodate a new side. Probably best to get in touch soon mind, the new formats begin next season and I can see it being carnage for U9 - U11 due to pitch space.

 

You will definitely need the Introduction to Coaching, First Aid, Safeguarding children and valid DBS before you can properly begin. Get the IT2CF booked ASAP as it can be a long wait to start if you miss the current blocks, unless you have a FA level 1 coaching badge.

And then be in far too many extra WhatsApp groups!!

[Kinowe Soorie]

5 hours ago, snoopy87 said:

Bloomin heck. That's gone up! For a course you get nothing out of other than a piece of paper to say your allowed to coach!

I personally don’t rate much of the FA stuff.

[Sly]

15 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

I personally don’t rate much of the FA stuff.

I thought mine was okay when I did it initially. That was 10+ years ago though. Loads of stuff online now to view if you wanted it. 
 

I did mine at St George’s though with a load of coaches from the Barcelona female team in crash course style. 
 

That aside, I gave up coaching due to the parents. A few bad eggs can ruin it entirely.

 

I’ve had some challenging interactions to navigate through. 

 

I had to ask one parent not to attend after he stormed onto the pitch at U13 due to what he perceived as the ref being biased. The ref was in his first match as well. 

 

Own players fighting on the pitch at U16 that just exploded from nowhere. I subbed both of them immediately.
 

Constant why is my child not getting more minutes. 
 

Dealing with the divorcing parents and all the child wanted to do was play football.

 

Paying subs for one of our better player, as their parents didn’t support them. 

 

Then the usual stuff you inherit like bad blood from previous seasons, ref issues etc
 

Tried coaching a senior females team, that was quite easy going but quite frankly, they were just a group of mates having a laugh. 

[snoopy87]

18 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

And then be in far too many extra WhatsApp groups!!

Absolutely ridiculous how many I'm in now . Going to get worse now tournament season is nearly upon us with groups getting created for them!

 

18 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

I personally don’t rate much of the FA stuff.

I thought the I2CF was useless. I want to do my UEFA C which involves some face to face sessions which I think I'll get so much more from, but it's too expensive.

 

2 hours ago, Sly said:

I thought mine was okay when I did it initially. That was 10+ years ago though. Loads of stuff online now to view if you wanted it. 
 

I did mine at St George’s though with a load of coaches from the Barcelona female team in crash course style. 
 

That aside, I gave up coaching due to the parents. A few bad eggs can ruin it entirely.

 

I’ve had some challenging interactions to navigate through. 

 

I had to ask one parent not to attend after he stormed onto the pitch at U13 due to what he perceived as the ref being biased. The ref was in his first match as well. 

 

Own players fighting on the pitch at U16 that just exploded from nowhere. I subbed both of them immediately.
 

Constant why is my child not getting more minutes. 
 

Dealing with the divorcing parents and all the child wanted to do was play football.

 

Paying subs for one of our better player, as their parents didn’t support them. 

 

Then the usual stuff you inherit like bad blood from previous seasons, ref issues etc
 

Tried coaching a senior females team, that was quite easy going but quite frankly, they were just a group of mates having a laugh. 

I imagine you did yours with a lead coach and had to plan a session for everyone to take part in? My mates was like that. Think I'd have preferred it that way.

Edited 25 March by snoopy87

[Kinowe Soorie]

3 hours ago, Sly said:

I thought mine was okay when I did it initially. That was 10+ years ago though. Loads of stuff online now to view if you wanted it. 

I think it changed massively during/after Covid. Dated videos, bit of a pain to manoeuvre around the F.A website, and all completed on line.

The webinars were the only good part of it for me.

[Kinowe Soorie]

Thoughts on tournaments?

[snoopy87]

1 hour ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

Thoughts on tournaments?

They're great, if they're levelled correctly. I already know we're going to two this year that we're going to have the backside ripped out of us.

 

There's one we've entered where our group is full of level 1 teams, we're lower 3. Don't have a prayer. Annoyingly, the team of the club we're at for it who's in our level has somehow managed to end up in the lower level group