Little Boots, Big Dreams! – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we’re joined by Perry Cocking - who has worked with talents like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. With experience in youth and first-team settings, Perry has also scouted for professional clubs, authored Did You Win, Did You Score? - founded Pezzaz Street Soccer, and hosts The Inner Huddle Podcast.

We dive into how football coaching has evolved over the years, the ongoing battle between development and competitiveness, and how different academies approach player growth. Should young players be pushed to compete, or is long-term development the key to success?

Packed with insights from someone who’s seen it all, this is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and anyone involved in youth football!

Why do some young players thrive under pressure while others crumble? Why do certain coaches and parents help kids develop resilience while others unknowingly hold them back? In this episode, we're joined by Michael Glassock, a career and life coach and mindset expert, to explore the power of a growth mindset - not just in football, but in life.

We’ll break down how a fixed vs. growth mindset shapes youth development, how parents and coaches can instill resilience in young players, and why embracing failure is the key to long-term success. Plus, practical strategies to help both kids and adults develop a mindset that leads to improvement, confidence, and enjoyment - on and off the pitch.

Don’t miss this one - it might just change how you approach coaching, parenting, and even your own personal challenges! 🎧⚽ #LittleBootsBigDreams

⚽ Football should be for everyone. But for many neurodiverse players, the traditional football setup can be a challenge. In this episode, we sit down with Dan, Chairman of Autistic FC, to explore how his club is breaking down barriers and creating a truly inclusive environment for autistic players.

🔹 How & why Autistic FC was founded
🔹 The struggles neurodiverse players face in mainstream football
🔹 How grassroots teams can become more inclusive
🔹 The impact on players, parents & the wider football community

Join us for an inspiring conversation about football, inclusion, and the power of sport to bring people together. 🌍⚽

🎧 Listen now!

Managing a grassroots football team isn’t just about kicking a ball around on a Saturday—it’s a rollercoaster of parent politics, player development, league logistics, and unexpected side-line drama.

In this episode, I’m joined by grassroots coach Joe to talk about the reality of running a team, from the joys of watching kids develop to the absolute chaos that sometimes unfolds. We discuss:

⚽ The biggest challenges of running a grassroots team – keeping parents and players happy and finding the balance between inclusivity and competitiveness.
🤯 Managing parents – are some a little too invested in their child’s football journey?
🔥 Side-line rivalries & poaching players – when does competition cross the line?
🚨 The FA’s role in protecting grassroots football – are we doing enough to safeguard kids and improve the game?

Plus, a brand-new Tales from the Touchline story featuring an overzealous coach, a Veo camera cover-up, and a car park showdown. You don’t want to miss this one!

🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts!

Are you coaching the right skills at the right time? In this episode, we explore the technical side of age-appropriate coaching and how to develop young footballers effectively.

Breaking down the FA Four Corner Model, I focus on technical development across different age groups, from ball mastery for U5s to high-intensity match realism for U14+. I’ll cover:
⚽ What "technical ability" actually means in youth football
⚽ Common coaching mistakes that slow down development
⚽ How to make technical training age-appropriate for U5-U14+

Whether you're a parent coach, academy coach, or just starting out, this episode will help you refine your approach and maximise player growth.

In this episode, I’m joined by a former professional footballer and his grandson to explore how the game has evolved across generations. We dive into the ex-pro’s memories of grassroots football and his journey through the game, comparing it to the experiences of his grandson in today’s youth football landscape.

How has coaching, competition, and player development changed? What lessons from the past still hold true today? And what impact does grassroots football have on young players beyond the pitch?

🎧 Tune in now for a fascinating conversation about football, family, and the game we all love!

Football is more than just skills and tactics - it’s about teamwork, friendships, and personal growth. In this episode of Little Boots, Big Dreams, we explore how social development changes at different ages and what coaches can do to create a positive and inclusive team environment.

Tune in and hear about:
⚽ How you should be communicating with each age group

⚽ Helping shy players to feel included
⚽ Encouraging teamwork & communication
⚽ Managing emotions after wins and losses
⚽ Dealing with cliques and tricky team dynamics

Whether you're coaching U6s or U14s, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you bring out the best in your young players!

Matchdays in youth football are anything but predictable - players in dreamworld, spectators shouting at the ref from the sidelines and the occasional missing shin pad!

In this episode of Little Boots, Big Dreams, we dive into the madness of matchdays and explore the biggest challenges coaches and parents face every weekend.

From keeping young players focused to managing overenthusiastic parents and staying calm under pressure, this episode is packed with real-life stories, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way.

🎧 Tune in now and discover how to survive the beautiful chaos of grassroots football!

In this debut episode, we introduce Little Boots, Big Dreams, a podcast for parents who double as weekend football (soccer) coaches or have kids that are involved with a weekend team.

Join us as we share the inspiration behind the show, highlight the joys and challenges of coaching kids, and preview what’s to come in future episodes. From hilarious matchday moments to practical coaching tips, this is your go-to space for stories, support, and plenty of laughs. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community that’s as passionate about youth football as you are!

Founded in 1886, Headcorn Football Club has transformed from two adult teams and a single junior side to a thriving community of 14 youth teams, a girls’ programme, and a clear mission focused on development, inclusion, and fun.

We sit down with the people behind the scenes to talk about their incredible growth, their ethos around equal game time, how they’re tackling poor sideline behaviour, and what it's really like running a self-sustaining, community-first football club in today’s game.

Expect passion, chaos, funny stories from the touchline, and plenty of wisdom for coaches, parents, and volunteers alike.

🎧 A must-listen for anyone who loves grassroots football and wants to hear what good youth development really looks like.