Advice for parents & coaches

The Foot-Tech blog

What we've learnt from a decade of coaching thousands of Leeds kids. No jargon, no nonsense, just things that actually help.

Parents and coaches ask this all the time Why Kids Keep Making the Same “Mistakes” in Matches

Parents and coaches ask this all the time “They know the right decision… so why doesn’t it show up in games?” It’s easy to assume the answer is: More…

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Two Books Every Sports Parent Should Read

If you’re trying to take the long view with your child (and not just results/quick wins), start here: Mindset – Dr Carol Dweck This book explains one…

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GPS Vests in Kids’ Football.. Are They Helping?

The pro’s wear GPS Vests…so should young kids do the same? Parents understandably might think: “If the pros use it, it must be good for my child too.” But…

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Struggling with misbehaviour at your junior football sessions?

Gone are the days of punishing kids with press-ups or shuttle runs Here’s how to keep kids engaged (without shouting or shuttle!)… Are Kids Being “Bad” or…

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How Many Football Sessions Should Kids Do?

In our latest podcast episode we’re answering some football parent and coach questions: How many sessions per week? How to deal with misbehaviour at…

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The Physical Side of Kids’ Football: What Parents Really Need to Know

So many parents worry the moment their child gets knocked, tripped or bumped in football. But here’s the truth… Contact is part of the game…and part of…

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Let the Game Teach the Game…

“Let the game teach the game” isn’t just a catchy quote. It’s not about doing less coaching. It’s about designing sessions and activities that maximise…

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Burnout in Kids isn’t Just Physical

Parents often think kids burn out because they’re doing too much football. Too many sessions.Too many matches.Too much running around. But the truth is,…

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4 Tips To Help You Survive Your First Season As A Grassroots Coach

Just taken over a grassroots football team? In this episode, we break down 4 practical tips that’ll save you stress, help you connect with your players,…

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3 Tips For New Grassroots Coaches

Arrival matches As the players arrive put them into mini-matches. Start 1v1 then build up to 4v4 before splitting off to make another small game. This…

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Foot-Tech AirPitches are now available to hire!

We get asked the question a lot so we’ve been busy putting together various options. These include: Parties Grassroots sessions Gala’s/Tournaments School…

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Why cones aren’t enough: How opponents shape real football skills

The Traditional Starting Point Most kids start the same way: Cones lined up, neat dribbling, no pressure. It looks tidy and it feels controlled. But is it…

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Resilience in Children:  How Parents Can Help Kids Bounce Back from Setbacks

Football isn’t just about skills and goals — it’s about how kids handle the tough moments. In this episode, we dive into how parents can help their…

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Building Better Football Fitness in Children

We’re at the time of year where junior teams will be returning for preseason. Anyone who played knows this can mean endless sprints, bleep tests and laps…

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From Academy Coach to Academy Dad

What’s it really like being on both sides of academy football — as a coach and as a parent? In this episode we sit down with Leroy McIntosh, a former…

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What Playstation Teaches Us About Kids Football

Why don’t kids burn out playing FIFA? (Or FC as it is now known – it’ll always be FIFA to us!). Because they control the challenge. They play on beginner…

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Replace How for Why in Kids Football Coaching

When it comes to kids football, one thing we’ve learnt over the years is constantly telling kids how to do something is often not as effective (for…

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Foot-Tech at Barca Academy

A tiring but very worthwhile trip to Barcelona Academy earlier this month. Coaches Dara, Dan & Josh spent last week on a coaching course in sunny Spain…

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