Football Coaching

[Kinowe Soorie]

58 minutes ago, snoopy87 said:

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 

We entered one last year, I just assumed it would be all a similar level… level 1 and 2 teams mixed in with everything else! I won’t make that mistake again 

[syston_fox]

4 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

Thoughts on tournaments?

Agree with Snoopy87 - if they're levelled correctly then they can be a great day and lots of fun. 

 

What you will find is that lots of teams will have ringers in to help push them forward. Last summer we came across the same player in 3 tournaments all for different teams. 

 

Lower level ones are much more fun and less prone to cheating I find. 

 

Tournament football is very hard though - much harder than normal games. You have to be on it from minute one and attack from the start. I recall one tournament with a younger team - 4 matches, three finished 0-0 and one was a 1-0 win. Unbeaten but went out on goal difference because we just couldn't get into an attacking mode quickly enough in 10 minutes. Expecting to see the same this year to be honest with my new team. We're a good level 4 team but we're not free scoring and most of our games are relatively low scoring 2-1, 3-2 type of scores. 

[Sly]

21 hours ago, snoopy87 said:

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!

 

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.

 

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.

Yes, we had to run several Sessions

[Kinowe Soorie]

How much are we paying for subs to your club? And do you get any discounts?

[snoopy87]

3 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

How much are we paying for subs to your club? And do you get any discounts?

I set mine at £32 a month and pay that in for my lad also.

 

I have full financial control of the team with our club though, I just pay them the pitch fee. Everything else is arranged by me, 3G, tournaments, trophies, kit etc. I've found this to work better for us this season, I haven't had to ask parents to pay more in for the summer stuff, it's just been booked and they can show or they can't.

 

Plus I haven't had to dip into my own pocket at all this season (yet!!!!).

[syston_fox]

Team I'm a coach with is £20 and pay same as everyone else. 

 

Other kid is with a different club and their subs are £30 

[Kinowe Soorie]

Ours is going up to £30, no coaches discount or siblings discount. Half price subs if you play Sat/Sun. I’ve read about some clubs doing discounts etc.

[snoopy87]

57 minutes ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

Ours is going up to £30, no coaches discount or siblings discount. Half price subs if you play Sat/Sun. I’ve read about some clubs doing discounts etc.

Used to get my lad free last season with our old club before the whole thing folded. All funds went to the club and covered all training, matches and kit.

[Kinowe Soorie]

I’m glad I’m involved in grass roots these days, as my main focus isn’t on Leicester City as much.

But, we have a monumental match coming up in the next few weeks, and our recent form has plummeted. 
From where we have come from, to maybe achieve something, it’s driving me potty!!

[Kinowe Soorie]

On 22/04/2026 at 11:15, Kinowe Soorie said:

I’m glad I’m involved in grass roots these days, as my main focus isn’t on Leicester City as much.

But, we have a monumental match coming up in the next few weeks, and our recent form has plummeted. 
From where we have come from, to maybe achieve something, it’s driving me potty!!

We did it 

[snoopy87]

On a pig of a run at the moment. Training looks good, I seem to be getting something out of them, then as soon as Sunday comes round, nothing.

 

I'm trying to keep them moving around the pitch, experiencing different positions in a game, but it just isn't working. Last two games we've been 3 down before we've had a shot on the opposition. Some of my lads are just suited to playing in a certain position already. Some will think I'm Satan for it, but I am at the point of just accepting some can only play in one area of the pitch for the good of the team.

 

For reference we're U9's. Next year under the old rules would have been our last at 7v7, so I'm sort of of the mind that positionally they will be starting to find their area. However, with us having another 2 years of this, I'm still thinking they should be moving around. Problem I have in my side is some are playing above their level, while some are playing below their level. It's those that are the better players I'm worried I'll lose in the summer. The U9 age group in Leicester has so many teams, I'd struggle to fill the spaces, as there just seems to be no movement.

[syston_fox]

1 hour ago, snoopy87 said:

On a pig of a run at the moment. Training looks good, I seem to be getting something out of them, then as soon as Sunday comes round, nothing.

 

I'm trying to keep them moving around the pitch, experiencing different positions in a game, but it just isn't working. Last two games we've been 3 down before we've had a shot on the opposition. Some of my lads are just suited to playing in a certain position already. Some will think I'm Satan for it, but I am at the point of just accepting some can only play in one area of the pitch for the good of the team.

 

For reference we're U9's. Next year under the old rules would have been our last at 7v7, so I'm sort of of the mind that positionally they will be starting to find their area. However, with us having another 2 years of this, I'm still thinking they should be moving around. Problem I have in my side is some are playing above their level, while some are playing below their level. It's those that are the better players I'm worried I'll lose in the summer. The U9 age group in Leicester has so many teams, I'd struggle to fill the spaces, as there just seems to be no movement.

What level are you at the moment mate as we're u9s as well. 

 

We were on a decent run at level 4 but then managed to lose three in a row. Yesterday was so frustrating - missed so many clear cut chances and ended up losing 1-0. My lad is our striker and usually really reliable but he had one of those days yesterday - hit the crossbar twice, then went through on goal and a horrible bobble as he went to shoot so shanked it wide. Finally then hit one over the bar when the keeper dropped the ball at his feet and a gaping goal.

 

Not sure what has happened in the last few games but suddenly everyone seems to be playing for themself. When we work as a team, we play some lovely football and score some cracking goals. When the kids turn selfish, the whole thing goes to pot and cannot figure out what's caused it - I have a feeling it's goal bonuses but then not the easiest conversation to have! 

[snoopy87]

16 minutes ago, syston_fox said:

What level are you at the moment mate as we're u9s as well. 

 

We were on a decent run at level 4 but then managed to lose three in a row. Yesterday was so frustrating - missed so many clear cut chances and ended up losing 1-0. My lad is our striker and usually really reliable but he had one of those days yesterday - hit the crossbar twice, then went through on goal and a horrible bobble as he went to shoot so shanked it wide. Finally then hit one over the bar when the keeper dropped the ball at his feet and a gaping goal.

 

Not sure what has happened in the last few games but suddenly everyone seems to be playing for themself. When we work as a team, we play some lovely football and score some cracking goals. When the kids turn selfish, the whole thing goes to pot and cannot figure out what's caused it - I have a feeling it's goal bonuses but then not the easiest conversation to have! 

We're 3A, probably hovering over that relegation line now.

 

Really struggling at the moment. Seems to be the same issue you've highlighted with my lot. We used to be really calm on the ball, tried playing, now it's either a big boot or they're going to take everyone on all by themselves. It feels like teams have just powered away from us as the season has gone on, most of which I would attribute to them just wanting it more as a unit over mine. Most sides we've played recently haven't had any better players than us, they've just worked harder for it or started quicker. Handing out 3-0 head starts isn't going to do us any favours!

 

Regarding goal "bonuses", had that. I chucked the kids straight into defence so they couldn't score. Seemed to stop it as the parent had to find another way of rewarding them.

[syston_fox]

2 hours ago, snoopy87 said:

We're 3A, probably hovering over that relegation line now.

 

Really struggling at the moment. Seems to be the same issue you've highlighted with my lot. We used to be really calm on the ball, tried playing, now it's either a big boot or they're going to take everyone on all by themselves. It feels like teams have just powered away from us as the season has gone on, most of which I would attribute to them just wanting it more as a unit over mine. Most sides we've played recently haven't had any better players than us, they've just worked harder for it or started quicker. Handing out 3-0 head starts isn't going to do us any favours!

 

Regarding goal "bonuses", had that. I chucked the kids straight into defence so they couldn't score. Seemed to stop it as the parent had to find another way of rewarding them.

We bizarrely have one lad who is very good at taking corners and gets a lot of praise for his deliveries. I noticed during Sunday's match that he was actively stopping and delaying crossing the ball in so that the defenders tackled him and he got a corner. (We don't score from corners by the way). 

 

The team we play on Sunday have only lost one since Christmas and that was against us in probably our best performance of the season. They moaned constantly about the pitch (it was played in January so wet and muddy) and every strong tackle was greeted with cries of "REF!" and rolling on the floor. They even said to us at the end that they wanted a rematch on a 3g pitch and would beat us on that. The scenes if we win.....  

 

Entered into many tournaments? 

[snoopy87]

16 hours ago, syston_fox said:

We bizarrely have one lad who is very good at taking corners and gets a lot of praise for his deliveries. I noticed during Sunday's match that he was actively stopping and delaying crossing the ball in so that the defenders tackled him and he got a corner. (We don't score from corners by the way). 

 

The team we play on Sunday have only lost one since Christmas and that was against us in probably our best performance of the season. They moaned constantly about the pitch (it was played in January so wet and muddy) and every strong tackle was greeted with cries of "REF!" and rolling on the floor. They even said to us at the end that they wanted a rematch on a 3g pitch and would beat us on that. The scenes if we win.....  

 

Entered into many tournaments? 

From mid-May to the end of June we have one every weekend bar one.

 

Going to be a tough summer. We're at one in Markfield and the group we've been put in is ridiculous. I'm in two minds on whether to just pull out and save us the heartache because we do not stand a chance.

[Kinowe Soorie]

End of season awards time… do you give out a top goal scorer award?

[snoopy87]

On 08/05/2026 at 14:19, Kinowe Soorie said:

End of season awards time… do you give out a top goal scorer award?

I've been thinking this over myself. I've got to the point where I'm going to do it and an award for most assists as well. It's extra reward for their efforts through the season. When it comes to announcing them, it'll be about those players choosing the right option at the right time, hopefully get them thinking in games more aiming for that award next year.

[snoopy87]

Last league match yesterday to wrap up our U9 season. Awful! Not won a game since beginning of March and they all turned up yesterday looking like they'd never seen a football before. Some of the defending looked very similar to what I've been watching at the KP the last two seasons.

 

Really do not know where it's gone wrong. We've gone from being composed, challenging and working hard to treating the ball like a hot potato and not even closing players down. The last 3 games I've watched my side allow the other team to take all the time in the world in our half before launching a shot goal wards. Our movement off the ball is horrific now. Players' just stood by while one carries the ball up the field, offering zero help.

 

We had a horror period in October, this has gone on longer and I am really struggling to see what else I can do with them. We've gone back to the very basics of 1v1's, ball mastery, small sided games and nothing is working.

 

I have a fair few who I think could take or leave football and it's those that I've noticed aren't putting the same level of effort in during training and matches. There's some ability there, but I've spent the best part of a year now trying to get them to play as part of the team and they're still where they were when I first took over. It's quite soul destroying at times.

[Kinowe Soorie]

4 hours ago, snoopy87 said:

Last league match yesterday to wrap up our U9 season. Awful! Not won a game since beginning of March and they all turned up yesterday looking like they'd never seen a football before. Some of the defending looked very similar to what I've been watching at the KP the last two seasons.

 

Really do not know where it's gone wrong. We've gone from being composed, challenging and working hard to treating the ball like a hot potato and not even closing players down. The last 3 games I've watched my side allow the other team to take all the time in the world in our half before launching a shot goal wards. Our movement off the ball is horrific now. Players' just stood by while one carries the ball up the field, offering zero help.

 

We had a horror period in October, this has gone on longer and I am really struggling to see what else I can do with them. We've gone back to the very basics of 1v1's, ball mastery, small sided games and nothing is working.

 

I have a fair few who I think could take or leave football and it's those that I've noticed aren't putting the same level of effort in during training and matches. There's some ability there, but I've spent the best part of a year now trying to get them to play as part of the team and they're still where they were when I first took over. It's quite soul destroying at times.

When my team played 7v7 we couldn’t defend for toffee, but we could score goals.

But was irrelevant if you were conceding more than you are scoring!

I tried three at the back, terrible, two at the back, terrible, got smashed in a game, kicked off with the parents cos of how bad it was (couple of bad eggs mainly).

I thought I’m going to throw caution to the wind and just go for it, and played the best defender at the back, on his own. It worked a treat!

We never really looked back after that.

My advice would be, to try things out in friendly matches, different formations, players in different positions etc. 

[snoopy87]

17 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

When my team played 7v7 we couldn’t defend for toffee, but we could score goals.

But was irrelevant if you were conceding more than you are scoring!

I tried three at the back, terrible, two at the back, terrible, got smashed in a game, kicked off with the parents cos of how bad it was (couple of bad eggs mainly).

I thought I’m going to throw caution to the wind and just go for it, and played the best defender at the back, on his own. It worked a treat!

We never really looked back after that.

My advice would be, to try things out in friendly matches, different formations, players in different positions etc. 

Been doing it all season. We started with 1 central defender and 2 wing backs either side. The ones that fully understood the wing back role were the ones who are seriously invested in football, the rest just can't fathom the role. I've done all sorts. It's not a case of they're not up to it, we used to annoy the hell out of sides that we're a level or two higher than us, we used to play and create, now we barely register a shot.

 

Training last night felt good, they understood what was required, they also got it if they weren't paying attention. I do wonder if I've maybe been too soft with them and they've started taking liberties. Been listening to podcasts, reading grassroots hub on Facebook and changed my style from it all a bit lately. Since I have, the performances and effort have just dropped. There's groups that need the softly softly approach, I do not think mine is one of them! 

[Kinowe Soorie]

32 minutes ago, snoopy87 said:

Been doing it all season. We started with 1 central defender and 2 wing backs either side. The ones that fully understood the wing back role were the ones who are seriously invested in football, the rest just can't fathom the role. I've done all sorts. It's not a case of they're not up to it, we used to annoy the hell out of sides that we're a level or two higher than us, we used to play and create, now we barely register a shot.

 

Training last night felt good, they understood what was required, they also got it if they weren't paying attention. I do wonder if I've maybe been too soft with them and they've started taking liberties. Been listening to podcasts, reading grassroots hub on Facebook and changed my style from it all a bit lately. Since I have, the performances and effort have just dropped. There's groups that need the softly softly approach, I do not think mine is one of them! 

It’s difficult to move from softly, softly, to a firmer approach. I’m in a similar situation. Mine don’t react well with too much discipline. I have groups, within the group, with varying levels of behaviour. I was advised to set your stall out at the beginning, with behaviour and help from parents etc. But I didn’t, one moment I love it, next moment, I think is it worth the hassle?

We are competitive from next season, and I think that quite a few of the lads use it as a youth club, attitudes are going to have to change!

[snoopy87]

3 hours ago, Kinowe Soorie said:

It’s difficult to move from softly, softly, to a firmer approach. I’m in a similar situation. Mine don’t react well with too much discipline. I have groups, within the group, with varying levels of behaviour. I was advised to set your stall out at the beginning, with behaviour and help from parents etc. But I didn’t, one moment I love it, next moment, I think is it worth the hassle?

We are competitive from next season, and I think that quite a few of the lads use it as a youth club, attitudes are going to have to change!

To be fair I was quite firm when I first took over, probably when we were playing our best football and making the right sort of mistakes as well. Only in the last 2 months have I gone softer and it's declined.

 

Hammered them a bit last night and got what I wanted, they had to forfeit if they weren't paying attention, which cut the chat out as the session went on, they seemed more engaged towards the end. Sometimes, a good old rocket is what they need. I'll be fair with them this weekend mind, as we're playing at Peterborough United on the pitch.

[Bert]

Tournament season started for my lads team today. 
 

Played in the level 3-5 at Loughborough Dynamo. Great venue and really well ran. 
 

Got all the way to the final and lost to a level 1 side.

 

Another tournament to go at tomorrow at Birstall United but a much tougher task as it’s mainly filled with level 1 sides but could be a good learning curve for them all. 

[snoopy87]

2 hours ago, Bert said:

Tournament season started for my lads team today. 
 

Played in the level 3-5 at Loughborough Dynamo. Great venue and really well ran. 
 

Got all the way to the final and lost to a level 1 side.

 

Another tournament to go at tomorrow at Birstall United but a much tougher task as it’s mainly filled with level 1 sides but could be a good learning curve for them all. 

Looked at that one for my lot, I'll keep an eye out next season after that review. Though how does a level 1 side end up in your final? Takes away all the good work your boys have done.

 

We kick ours ours off tomorrow in Peterborough at London Road. Lord knows what we're walking into. This one is just for an experience.

 

Pulling us out of a tournament later in May due to the group we've been put in. We've been poor for a while. Going into a tournament where the whole group is level 1, 2 of those side's the best in the county at our age group, just aint right for my boys. We'll get nothing but a hiding. My major gripe is they've put their own higher level side in the lower side of the tournament, a team who've smashed us twice. Tournament organiser sees no issue 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[Bert]

27 minutes ago, snoopy87 said:

Looked at that one for my lot, I'll keep an eye out next season after that review. Though how does a level 1 side end up in your final? Takes away all the good work your boys have done.

 

We kick ours ours off tomorrow in Peterborough at London Road. Lord knows what we're walking into. This one is just for an experience.

 

Pulling us out of a tournament later in May due to the group we've been put in. We've been poor for a while. Going into a tournament where the whole group is level 1, 2 of those side's the best in the county at our age group, just aint right for my boys. We'll get nothing but a hiding. My major gripe is they've put their own higher level side in the lower side of the tournament, a team who've smashed us twice. Tournament organiser sees no issue 🤷🏻‍♂️.

I mean for me it boils down to the team that won it rather than the organisers because this team came from the West Midlands so would imagine they had no clue about them and their standard and I’m not taking anything away from the boys they were a really good team and ultimately it’s not their fault.
 

We played them in the group stage and they beat us so our boys were a bit disheartened already starting the final because even they knew they were too good for the level.  
 

Final was scheduled for 2 and kicked off at 2:05 which for a tournament goes to show it was really well ran.

 

Good luck for tomorrow and the rest of the tournaments going forward. Can’t blame you for pulling them out - obviously their own team going in lower is never gonna get changed which is a shame.