🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 18: "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" ft. Kev Weir

In this week's exciting episode of the Go Football Podcast, we welcome special guest Kev Weir, a highly respected figure in grassroots football. Together, we dive into some of the most important questions for players and parents as the season comes to a close:

⚽ “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”

Are you thinking about sticking with your current team or making a move? We discuss what to consider before switching clubs — development, game time, enjoyment, and progression.

🧠 “Is This Team Right for Me?”

We break down how to evaluate if a team matches your goals, ability, and values — for players and parents.

🧑‍🏫 “What Do Coaches Really Expect?”

We talk about realistic expectations from grassroots coaches – covering respect, attendance, effort, and communication from both players and parents.

🏆 “Awards Night – What Really Matters?”

As the season ends, we explore the best types of end-of-season awards. From “Most Improved” to “Players’ Player,” we talk about how to celebrate every player’s contribution — not just top scorers.

This episode is packed with insightful advice, real-world coaching experience, and tips for players, parents, and grassroots coaches as we all prepare for the new season ahead.

📧 Get in Touch:

We’d love to hear your thoughts — email us at gofootballpod@gmail.com or send us a message via social media.

🎧 Listen and Watch Now:

Available on:

Spotify

Amazon Music

YouTube

Don’t forget to follow, like, and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

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🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 17

"Parents on the Sideline – Support or Pressure?"

This week on the Go Football Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest grassroots talking points: Are parents helping or hurting the game from the sideline?

We explore the powerful impact of parental behavior during matches, from emotional support and encouragement to the unintended pressure that can disrupt development and enjoyment.

Are shouts from the touchline boosting young players—or just causing confusion? We discuss:

The difference between positive support and performance pressure

Real stories from the pitch

Initiatives like Silent Sidelines

What clubs, coaches and parents can do to create a better football experience

🎧 Listen to how sideline behavior is shaping the grassroots game in both good and challenging ways.

🧠 Also in this episode:

On The Pitch – a sideline moment that was one of my best compliments as a coach

🎯 Trivia Corner – some stats from Loughborough Uni on the impact of sideline comments

🧠 Coach’s Perspective

✅ How Sideline Support Can Help

🎧 Listen Now On:

Spotify – Go Football Podcast

Amazon Music – Go Football Podcast

YouTube – Go Football Podcast

📩 We want to hear from you!

Got a sideline story or opinion? Email us at gofootballpod@gmail.com or message us on socials @GoFootballPodcast

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🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 16: Banned Words... Academy/Elite

In this episode of the Go Football Podcast, we tackle a hot topic shaking up grassroots football — the potential FA ban on the words "Academy" and "Elite" in grassroots environments.

Hosted by Steve, a UEFA Licensed Coach, Referee, and Grassroots Parent, we explore why the FA are taking action and what this could mean for coaches, clubs, parents, and players across the UK.

Are some clubs using these terms to create false expectations for young players and parents?

Is it time for grassroots football to rethink how it labels itself to protect development and wellbeing?

This week we’ll discuss:

Why the FA is looking to ban "Academy" and "Elite" from grassroots marketing

How it could change the way grassroots clubs operate and promote themselves

The pressures and misconceptions these words can create for young players

What it means for coaches currently using these terms

How to create a positive development environment without misleading language

Plus, On the Pitch returns with a story about a miscommunication over "elite" squad selections!

And don't miss this week's trivia challenge, focusing on grassroots football facts!

💬 We’d love to hear your views — email us at gofootballpod@gmail.com and share your thoughts on this topic!

📻 Listen now on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and across all podcast platforms.

Thank you to all our returning listeners and everyone who has emailed, commented, and supported the show — we love hearing from you!

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🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 15: Tactics vs Basics

In grassroots football today, are we overloading young players with tactics before they’ve even mastered the basics?

In Episode 15 of the Go Football Podcast, we explore this important question — and why getting the foundations right could be the key to developing confident, skillful footballers.

Hosted by Steve — a UEFA Licensed Coach, Referee, and Grassroots Parent — this episode takes a close look at whether grassroots coaches are focusing too much on shapes, formations, and high-press systems, rather than ball control, passing, dribbling, and decision-making.

We’ll discuss:

Why mastering the basics is crucial before introducing tactical complexity

How top clubs and academies still start with fundamental technical skills

Challenges that players, coaches, and parents face in today’s grassroots environment

Real-world examples of teams thriving (or struggling) depending on their approach

💬 Got thoughts on this debate?

We want to hear from YOU — Email us at gofootballpod@gmail.com with your experiences and opinions!

⚽ Also in this episode:

Our regular "On The Pitch" story — including a funny tactical confusion moment!

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and all podcast platforms.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your feedback!

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🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 14: Fitness in Football ⚽💪

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Go Football Podcast, your weekly deep dive into everything grassroots football! This week, we're getting physical as we explore one of the most important yet often misunderstood aspects of the game — Fitness in Football.

💬 In this episode, we tackle:

• ​Why fitness is essential at all levels, from under-7s to adult grassroots.
• The difference between match fitness and general fitness — and how to train for both.
• How fitness impacts performance, confidence, and injury prevention in youth players.
• What coaches, parents, and players should focus on off the pitch.
• Real examples of how poor fitness can affect match day and how to improve it.
• Advice for balancing training, recovery, and lifestyle for young players.

Whether you’re a coach, player, parent or ref, understanding football fitness is key to developing confident, strong and resilient players in today’s game.

📩 Got thoughts on football fitness? We'd love to hear from you — email us at gofootballpod@gmail.com or drop a comment wherever you’re listening or watching.

🙏 Thank you to all our loyal listeners on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube and beyond. Keep supporting grassroots football and don’t forget to share the pod with your football family!

🎯 Perfect for:

Grassroots Coaches | Football Parents | Youth Players | Referees | Sports Students | Fitness Coaches | Academy Support Staff

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🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 13: Games Gone? Old Skool vs New Skool Football ⚽

Is the game we love changing too much… or changing for the better?

In Episode 13, we tackle a hot topic in the football world: Has the game gone soft? This episode dives into the ever-growing debate between the Old Skool and New Skool approaches to football — especially in the grassroots game.

🗣️ Join us as we discuss:

✅ The rise of "softer" rule changes – are they for protection or limiting the game’s spirit?

✅ Old Skool football values like hard tackles, grit, and no-nonsense play vs the New Skool emphasis on skill, safety, and support.

✅ How modern coaching, technology, and new FA guidelines are reshaping the grassroots landscape.

✅ Are we protecting young players or holding them back?

✅ Real stories from the pitch and insight from referees, coaches, and parents across generations.

Whether you're nostalgic for mud and crunching tackles, or passionate about development and safeguarding – this episode is for you.

💬 We want to hear from YOU! Share your thoughts at gofootballpod@gmail.com – are you Team Old Skool or Team New Skool?

🙏 Thanks again to our amazing listeners across Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music and beyond for your continued support!

🎯 Perfect for:

Grassroots football coaches | Parents | Youth players | Football fans | Referees | Sports educators | Anyone with strong opinions on how the game has changed!

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🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 12: Donor Sports in Football ⚽

Welcome back to the Go Football Podcast – the show for coaches, parents, players, and referees at all levels of the grassroots game!

In Episode 12, we explore a fascinating topic in player development: Donor Sports – other sports that help shape better footballers. From improving footwork to boosting reaction time and agility, donor sports play a key role in developing well-rounded players.

👟 This week we cover:

✅ What are donor sports and why do they matter in football?

✅ How sports like basketball, futsal, and badminton transfer key skills into the football world.

✅ The role of badminton in goalkeeper development – enhancing reflexes, footwork, and hand-eye coordination.

✅ Real examples of professional footballers with multi-sport backgrounds.

✅ How grassroots coaches and parents can use donor sports in training.

💬 Whether you're looking to help young players improve coordination, agility, or decision-making, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and practical tips.

📩 Get in touch!

We love hearing from you! Drop us a message at gofootballpod@gmail.com – share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes.

🙏 Big thanks to our growing community of listeners across Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and beyond!

🎯 Perfect for:

Grassroots football coaches | Parents | Goalkeepers | Sports educators | Youth footballers | Referees | Multi-sport athletes

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🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 11: Ref Watch – Celebrating Grassroots Referees 🏁⚽

In Episode 11 of the Go Football Podcast, we turn the spotlight on the unsung heroes of the game—grassroots referees! From officiating local leagues to progressing through the ranks, referees are vital to keeping the game fair, safe, and enjoyable for all.

With a rising number of new referees joining the game, now is the perfect time to discuss the best ways to find a referee for your matches, how to support referees, and why respect for officials is more important than ever in grassroots football.

🏁 In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ The Growth of Grassroots Refereeing

The increase in new referees joining the game and how it benefits football at all levels.

✅ How to Get a Referee for Your Matches

The best times to secure a referee for your league or tournament.

Tips for clubs, leagues, and coaches on booking officials in advance.

✅ The Challenges Referees Face in Grassroots Football

Dealing with abuse from the sidelines and how clubs can create a more respectful environment.

✅ Spotting a Young Referee on Game Day

How to tell if the referee is under 18.

✅ Trivia Time – Referee Edition!

Did you know the first red card in a World Cup was given in 1974?

What’s the youngest age you can qualify as a referee? Find out in this episode!

🎧 A Huge Thank You to Our Listeners!

We appreciate everyone who tunes in weekly to the Go Football Podcast! Thank you for your emails, social media messages, and episode votes. Keep the conversation going—your input shapes our show!

📩 Get in Touch: Have a referee story or question? Email us at gofootballpod@gmail.com and you could be featured in a future episode!

📣 Listen & Subscribe Now

Catch the Go Football Podcast on:

✅ Spotify

✅ Amazon Music

✅ YouTube

✅ Podbean

✅ CastBox

Hit follow and subscribe for weekly insights into grassroots football, from coaching tips to referee rules and more!

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