Coachcast
Coachcast is a podcast from England Football Learning designed for football coaches. It provides expert insight, session ideas, and a platform to discuss coaching questions and challenges. Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences with the coaching tips and contribute feedback via email or voice messages. The show aims to support coaches at all levels by offering practical advice and fostering a community of learning.
Episodes
How to create fun, safe and welcoming coaching sessions with Andy Somers | S7 Ep5
A session that’s fun, safe and welcoming is one that ensures players not only want to come back for more every week, but also continue to develop.And in this episode, Andy Somers, senior manager for grassroots coach development, shares practical advice on planning and delivering sessions that are fun, safe and welcoming for every player.From helping children feel excited to attend sessions, to ada
The ultimate guide to planning coaching programmes with Vinny Halsall | S7 Ep4
Good coaching starts with a plan. But how far ahead should coaches be thinking, and how do you build sessions that help players improve over time?In this episode, Vinny Halsall returns to Coachcast to explore how coaches can plan and deliver effective short-term coaching programmes.As part of the grassroots coach development team, Vinny shares practical strategies to help you save time, connect pl
How to plan a successful pre-season with Conal Murnin | S7 Ep3
Pre-season is your opportunity to set the tone for the season ahead.It's about understanding your players, creating the right environment and putting the foundations in place for a successful season.And in this episode, coaching and learning developer Conal Murnin returns to Coachcast to share how coaches can make the most of pre-season. We speak about reflecting on your own coaching and plan
How self-reflection can transform your coaching with Darel Tidman-Poole | S7 Ep2
Before the new season begins, many coaches are busy planning sessions, setting goals and thinking about their players. But one of the most valuable things you can do is to take a step back and reflect on yourself.In this episode, pathway coach developer Darel Tidman-Poole joins us to explore the power of self-reflection and how it can help develop your skills and prepare you for the season ahead.D
Preparing for the new season and the 3v3 format with Andy Dyke | S7 Ep1
A new season is upon us, and with it, brings a new format.That’s why, in this episode, Andy Dyke joins us to dive into what coaches should prioritise at the start of the new season and what exactly coaches need to know about the new format.As part of the play experience team within the grassroots division, Andy works to improve player choice and opportunity across the game, while also coaching an
Creating connections and managing tournaments with Lee Carsley | Coachcast extra-time
In this bonus episode, England men’s U21 head coach Lee Carsley shares the mindset, behaviours and decisions behind his coaching approach and back-to-back U21 European successes.Lee led the Young Lions to European Championship titles in 2023 and 2025, and, here, he reflects on his journey into coaching and the key lessons that have shaped his approach.The conversation goes beyond tactics, offering
What every coach should do to prepare for next season with Zahid Patel | S6 Ep23
With the season winding down, it’s a perfect time to start planning for the next one. The end of a season gives coaches a chance to reset. But preparation for the next season shouldn’t wait until it’s just around the corner. That’s why, in our final episode of the season, we’re joined by FA regional manager, Zahid Patel, to share how coaches can prepare effectively for the season ahead. Zahid pick
Making sessions fun, enjoyable and meaningful with James Riches | S6 Ep22
Keeping players engaged throughout a session can be one of the biggest challenges coaches face. When energy dips or attention wanders, it can quickly affect outcomes for players. In this episode, James Riches returns to Coachcast to talk about managing training sessions and making them fun. We dive into how coaches can create environments where players are challenged while also enjoying practices.
How to coach goalkeepers with confidence with Yilmaz Aksoy | S6 Ep21
Coaching goalkeepers can feel daunting for many grassroots coaches.That’s why, in this episode, Yilmaz Aksoy, goalkeeping coach development manager, joins us to break down how coaches can better support and develop goalkeepers at all stages of the game.Yilmaz shares practical, confidence-boosting advice to help grassroots coaches feel more equipped, even when specialised goalkeeper coaching is una
How to be a more effective coach with Conal Murnin | S6 Ep20
Effective coaching isn’t just about making good session plans, it’s about who you are and how you show up. Being an effective coach starts with being the best version of yourself, and in this episode, coaching and learning developer Conal Murnin, joins us to explore what personal effectiveness really means for coaches. Conal shares practical ways to improve communication, build stronger relationsh
What to consider when players are going through changes with Stacey Emmonds | S6 Ep19
Players don’t all develop at the same rate. And changes in physical development can affect confidence, performance, and even whether a young person stays in the game at all.And that’s why it’s essential for all coaches to have a good understanding of how young players develop and how to create a safe environment for them.In this episode, we’re joined by senior lead for performance education, Stace
Your biggest coaching questions answered with Chris Lowe | S6 Ep18
Every coach runs into moments where they’re not sure how to navigate a particular coaching challenge, or they would simply benefit from a second opinion. And that’s why we’re answering more of your coaching questions in this episode. Chris Lowe returns to Coachcast to answer your questions from across our channels. As part of the grassroots coach development team, Chris brings a clear and practica
Keeping players engaged during winter training with Paul Holder | S6 Ep17
Fewer players turning up, lack of engagement, and lost momentum during training sessions.These can all be symptoms of the very different environment that winter training brings. But with the right preparation and planning, coaches can keep that momentum going throughout winter.That’s why, in this episode, Paul Holder returns to Coachcast to share practical advice on session management and how to k
Matchday mastery: Success isn’t just winning with Matt Jones | S6 Ep16
Every player likes to win. But matchday success isn’t just about the final score. Matt Jones returns to Coachcast in this episode to share his formula for matchday success, regardless of the outcome. We dive deep into what sort of matchday environment we’re aiming for and how coaches can make it happen. We also explore what great matchday behaviour looks like and how coaches can set the tone. Matt
Mid-season reset: reflection tips every coach needs with Sam Griffiths | S6 Ep15
Reflection is one of the most powerful tools a coach has – yet it’s often the first thing we let slip when the season gets busy. That’s why in this episode, we take a mid-season reset to talk about reflection, and how it can transform your coaching. In this episode, Women’s pathway lead coach developer, Sam Griffiths, returns to Coachcast to explore how coaches can reflect more effectively during
Helping your players master the ten core skills with Emily Senior | S6 Ep14
Helping your players develop the ten core skills is an essential part of coaching football. We see them all when we observe matches, but it’s important to give each of them space in your sessions before matchday.In this episode, Emily Senior returns to Coachcast to unpack exactly how to implement all ten core skills into your practices.You’ll hear how to design practices that challenge your player
Winter weather wisdom with Vinny Halsall | S6 Ep13
Winter weather can throw even the best-planned training sessions off track, but it doesn’t need to mean a wasted hour.In this episode, Vinny Halsall returns to share his advice on keeping outdoor sessions effective, safe, and enjoyable when conditions get cold and wet.We talk about the realities of coaching through cold and rain and navigating the unpredictable nature of winter weather. With the s
What you need to know about indoor training and Futsal with Marc Forrest | S6 Ep12
With the colder months upon us, outdoor training isn’t always possible. But with limited space, indoor training can feel like a challenge.In this episode, Marc Forrest joins us to explore how that challenge can be turned into opportunity. We dive into how coaches can make the most of indoor sessions and discover the huge benefits of futsal for both player and coach development.Marc has worked acro
Community questions: your coaching questions answered with Lee Brown | S6 Ep11
In our first-ever community questions episode, we’re answering your coaching questions.We’ve gathered coaching questions from across our community and social media channels, and Lee Brown returns to Coachcast to answer them directly.We’ve squeezed in as many of your questions as possible, covering several aspects of coaching, from training to game formats to matchday.With practical advice drawn fr
How to handle parents in grassroots football with Mark Leigh | S6 Ep10
Communicating well with parents is one of the most important parts of grassroots coaching, and it can be one of the most challenging. But with the right approach, it can transform the experience for everyone involved.In this episode, FA coach developer Mark Leigh returns to Coachcast to share practical communication tips to help coaches build positive relationships with parents and handle tricky s
Tactics to manage the emotions of winning and losing with Loz Lok | S6 Ep9
From the nerves and pressure of the run-up to matchday to the highs and lows of winning or losing, emotions are part of football.For young players in particular, these emotions can feel overwhelming. They can affect their performance and their enjoyment of the game, and in turn, the rest of the team. That’s why coaches have a huge role to play in helping them manage these emotions.In this episode,
Making matchday a success with Amanda Greenslade | S6 Ep8
Matchday can be one of the most stressful times for players and coaches. From pre-game warmups to full-time talks, emotions are high and it can feel overwhelming.That’s why, in this episode, Amanda Greenslade returns to Coachcast to share her advice on how experienced coaches can manage matchday with confidence and get the most out of the day, whatever the outcome.Amanda breaks down the key moment
The ULTIMATE guide to training with Katie Sorenson (part two) | S6 Ep7
What separates a good training session from a great one?In part two of our ultimate guide to training with Katie Sorenson, we dive into the details that make the difference for coaches.In this episode, we cover a range of essential training topics from recognising when players are engaged, to adapting for different needs, to making interventions that move the session forward rather than disrupt it
The ULTIMATE guide to training with Katie Sorenson (part one) | S6 Ep6
Do you want every training session to be the highlight of your players’ week?This episode is your blueprint.In part one of this ultimate guide to training, Katie Sorenson shares her proven strategies for planning and delivering sessions that players love, while helping them achieve their learning objectives.From designing practices players respond to, to linking your training seamlessly to match d
Getting the most out of pre-season tournaments with Emily Senior | S6 Ep5
Tournaments are a great way for players to bond and prepare for the season ahead, but they can also present challenges.In this episode, Emily Senior, an FA regional coach developer, joins us to explore how coaches can make the most out of tournaments.Pre-season tournaments offer a pressure-free environment for building physical and social skills, and Emily shares practical ideas to help coaches na
Focus on THIS to get players ready for the next season with Lee Brown | S6 Ep4
Getting back into training after the summer holidays can be a challenge for players (especially the younger players). Players may be out of practice, their fitness levels can vary, and their focus might not be where it was at the end of last season.Coaches often face the pressure of trying to rebuild momentum and reconnect with players all while planning engaging sessions.That’s why, in this episo
Pre-season plans and the one thing you should avoid with Matt Jones | S6 Ep3
Pre-season is a chance to welcome players back, set the tone for the season ahead, and create an environment where they can thrive. In this episode, Matt Jones returns to Coachcast to talk about how coaches can prepare for the new season. From what to do (and the pitfalls to avoid) in your first session back, to building strong relationships with players and parents, Matt shares expert advice for
Transitioning between game formats with John Folwell | S6 Ep2
Format changes are coming to the grassroots game for the 2026-2027 season, and in this episode, you’ll find out exactly what’s changing and why. John Folwell, head of grassroots coach development, returns to Coachcast to talk about supporting players as they move between formats – from 3v3 to 5v5 and beyond. He also shares a clear breakdown of the new changes coming next season, and how coaches ca
Make next season a success with self-reflection tips from Chris Welburn | S6 Ep1
The off-season is the perfect time to pause and prepare for the season ahead. And by taking time to self-reflect, you can ensure that you make next season count.That’s why, to kick off season six of Coachcast, FA regional coach developer, Chris Welburn, returns to share his advice for self-reflection.Self-reflection is a powerful tool that coaches can use to grow. It helps you spot what’s working,
The three steps to creating a thriving learning environment with Vinny Halsall | S5 Ep21
Creating a thriving learning environment means every player can enjoy the session while being challenged and supported. So, how can coaches make that happen?In the final episode of the season, The FA’s Vinny Halsall joins us to dive into what a thriving learning environment really looks like and how to create one.Vinny shares his approach to putting player needs at the heart of every session, and
The ‘person-first’ approach and why it matters now more than ever with Suey Smith | S5 Ep20
Putting the person first can transform the way coaches connect with players. But what does a person-first approach actually look like in practice, and how can coaches make it part of their everyday sessions? In this episode, FA youth coach developer Suey Smith returns to Coachcast to explore the power of putting the person before the player. Suey shares practical ways coaches can build trust, conf
Essential communication tips from body language to tone with Ryan Davies | S5 Ep19
Good communication skills are essential to effectively coach players across all ages and stages. But what does good communication look like, and how can coaches better connect with their players? In this episode, The FA's Ryan Davies – who has changed roles since recording – returns to Coachcast to break down how to effectively communicate with players. Ryan works with teachers and coaches to supp
How to build strong player relationships with Chris Welburn | S5 Ep18
Good relationships on and off the pitch can make all the difference in helping players improve. But what does a strong relationship look like? And how can coaches build them effectively?In this episode, FA regional coach developer Chris Welburn returns to Coachcast to share his insights into building relationships with players.Chris draws from his experience in different domains of the game to giv
Mastering the ten principles of play with Luke Saunders | S5 Ep 17
The principles of play are so important in football, guiding player decisions both in and out of possession. But how well do your players understand them? In this episode, FA game insights analyst, Luke Saunders, joins Coachcast to break down the five attacking and five defending principles of play that guide decision-making on the pitch. With expert insights and real examples that you can follow
The ten core skills every player needs and how to coach them with Katie Sorenson | S5 Ep16
The core skills are foundational for every great player, helping them excel in and out of possession. But how can coaches help players master them? In this episode, game insights analyst Katie Sorenson returns to Coachcast to break down the ten core skills every player needs. She shares her journey from being the only girl in her school team to playing for West Ham and working with The FA, offerin
Be yourself from the start with Gareth Ainsworth | Coachcast extra-time
When you coach, don’t throw away who you are. Be yourself. That’s just one of many key messages Gareth Ainsworth delivers in this bonus episode of Coachcast.The Shrewsbury Town head coach shares valuable advice for coaches at all levels and provides insight on his journey into football management and the UEFA Pro Licence. Gareth also reveals how he approaches training and details what matchdays lo
Better observations, better coaching with Emily Senior | S5 Ep15
Observation skills are the foundation of great coaching. They help you connect with players and make the most out of your coaching skills. In this episode, FA regional coach developer for the North East, Emily Senior, joins Coachcast to share her journey so far and give practical advice for improving your observation skills. Emily shares how observation impacts everything from understanding what p
The three types of movement skills your players need with Lee Brown | S5 Ep14
Movement skills are so important in football, and when developed right, they can make all the difference.In this episode, FA coach development officer Lee Brown shares his journey and offers invaluable insights into improving movement skills in players.We dive into the main types of movement skills that every coach needs to know about and how to ensure players are developing them – both in and out
Game states, phases and moments explained with Dan Simpson | S5 Ep13
How well players handle the changing dynamics of the game can be the difference between a win and a loss.
In this episode, FA game insights analyst, Dan Simpson, who at the time of recording was an FA game insights analyst, returns to Coachcast. Dan shares his inspiring journey into coaching and demystifies the concepts of game states, phases, and moments to help coaches respond appropriately on
How to develop your players’ social skills with Danny Fenner | S5 Ep12
Social skills are a fundamental part of football, helping players build stronger relationships, improve teamwork, and handle conflicts. But it’s easy to forget to give these skills the attention they need when designing your practices.
In this episode, FA coach development officer, Danny Fenner, returns to Coachcast to share his journey and offer invaluable advice for integrating social developm
What every coach needs to understand about growth and maturation with Paul Holder | S5 Ep11
Understanding growth and maturation is an essential part of youth coaching, which is why in this episode, FA youth coach developer Paul Holder returns to Coachcast to share his experiences and explore these aspects to help you become a more effective coach.
Paul has a broad spectrum of coaching experience across grassroots and professional football. He now supports coaches in developing their ski
Why every coach needs a plan and how you can make one with Debbie Barry | S5 Ep10
Planning is a crucial skill for coaches but knowing where to start and what a plan should look like can be a challenge.
In this episode, FA physical education officer, Debbie Barry, returns to Coachcast to share her expertise on creating effective plans that support both players and coaches.
Debbie works with trainee teachers and coaches in schools, helping them use football as a tool for physic
Simplifying tactics, strategies and systems with Aston Cox | S5 Ep9
Tactics are a critical part of coaching, but understanding how to introduce them effectively - and keep them simple for all players can be a challenge.
That’s why, in this episode of Coachcast, we’re joined by game insights analyst, Aston Cox, to break down the essentials of tactical coaching. Aston and his team use data and video insights to support coaches, helping them shape players’ developme
Becoming a coach who makes a difference with Stacey Miles | S5 Ep8
Having a positive impact on your players can make all the difference in their development and enjoyment of the game. In this episode, FA coach development officer, Stacey Miles returns to Coachcast to share her experience and insights on how coaches can leave a lasting, positive impact on their players.
Stacey supports coaches across the West Midlands and has played a big role in establishing a f
An introduction to individual tactics with Matt Jones | S5 Ep7
Individual tactics are a foundational tool for developing players who can thrive, particularly in 1v1 encounters. In this episode, FA coach development officer Matt Jones returns to Coachcast to guide us through the importance of individual tactics and how coaches can apply them to help players perform at their best.
With a particular focus on supporting coaches from underrepresented groups, Matt
How to manage your well-being and avoid burnout with Vicky Fisher | S5 Ep6
Coaching can be demanding of both your time and your energy. This is why it’s so important to be aware of and take care of our well-being.
In this episode, FA coach development officer Vicky Fisher returns to Coachcast to explore what well-being means for coaches and why it’s crucial to not let your mental health go by the wayside.
Vicky supports coaches across the Southwest and has plenty of gr
Understanding game styles with Abdoullah Kheir | S5 Ep5
Understanding game styles can help your players thrive in practice sessions and on matchday. And in this episode, we’re joined by Abdoullah Kheir, FA coach development officer, to explore the importance of game styles and how to incorporate them into your sessions.
Abdoullah shares his story, from playing street football with his brothers to becoming a regional coach developer for the South West,
Unlocking your potential as a coach through self-awareness with Geoff Noonan | S5 Ep4
How often do you take time to reflect on your own behaviours and biases as a coach? Self-awareness is a critical skill for coaches, impacting everything from how you communicate with your players to how you design your practices.
In this episode, we're joined by Geoff Noonan, regional FA youth coach developer, to dive deep into understanding and managing yourself as a coach, as well as offering p
Mastering player and session management with Amanda Greenslade | S5 Ep3
Curious about how to leave a lasting positive impact on your players while managing dynamic and inclusive sessions?
In this episode, we’re joined by FA PE officer, Amanda Greenslade, to discuss her journey into coaching and get valuable advice for coaches on delivering and managing sessions effectively.
Amanda brings a wealth of experience from her work with both qualified and trainee teachers
The essentials of practice design with Taff Rahman | S5 Ep2
Designing practices that keep players engaged and achieve the outcomes you’re after can be a challenge. Which is why, in this episode, we’re joined by FA youth coach developer, Taff Rahman to share loads of practical guidance on how to design effective and engaging practices.
We discover Taff’s journey into coaching, from his time with the Arsenal youth reserves and the Tottenham Hotspur Academy
How to plan sessions to achieve specific outcomes with Jo Williams | S5 Ep1
Welcome back! To kick off season five, we’re diving deep into session planning.
In this episode, we’re joined by FA regional coach development officer, Joanne Williams. Jo’s main role is to help grassroots coaches improve and bring new female coaches into the game. She shares with us the story of how she got into coaching and her top advice for new coaches.
Session planning plays a key role in h
S4 Ep24: Creating an inclusive environment with Pav Singh
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/3z8mr07)
From playing 15-a-side games with his friends on gravel pitches as a child to his diverse career in coaching, Pav Singh joins us for the final episode of season four. Pav has been with The FA as a coach development officer for nine years, and we discover his journey to get there.
We tap into Pav’s broad range of experiences wi
S4 Ep23: Coaching goalkeepers with Tony Elliott
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/45nQahU)
There are key differences between coaching goalkeepers vs. coaching for other positions, and in this episode, Tony Elliot gives us an insight into what these are. Tony is a multifaceted coach with experience in many formats of the game. He’s currently lead goalkeeping coach at Birmingham City W.F.C, England Women’s U16 squad and
S4 Ep22: Matchday planning with Abbie Sadler
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/4ayPs24)
Matchday can stir up all sorts of emotions for both players and coaches. That’s why it’s important to prepare for matchdays, and in this episode, Abbie Sadler tells us how.
Abbie is an FA women’s pathway coach developer lead and she joins us to share her journey and a ton of matchday tips and advice for coaches. We dive deep into
S4 Ep21: Mentoring and neurodiversity with Mike Nolan
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/3ytsPi7)
We dive deep into two areas in this episode - mentoring and neurodiversity. Coach and mentor developer, Mike Nolan, joins us to share his expertise.
In the first half of the episode, Mike shares his insights into mentorship. We speak about the difference between coaching and mentoring. We get insights into what skills a mentor ne
S4 Ep20: Coaching a men's team with Rosi Webb
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/4bekBIW)
The three most common questions High Performance Centre coach development officer, Rosi Webb, gets asked about coaching the male game as a female are - what’s it like, what are the differences and does she enjoy it?
In this episode, Rosi joins us to answer these questions and more. We discover her journey into football and coachi
S4 Ep19: The Greater Game with Dom Edwards and Myles Hadley
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/44jZtyy)
The Greater Game aims to improve the health and well-being of 12-to-16-year-olds by encouraging them to take one healthier action per week. In this episode, we’re joined by The FA’s Dom Edwards and grassroots coach Myles Hadley to learn more about the programme and how coaches can implement it in their sessions.
Dom has coached f
S4 Ep18: Pro Licence insights with Vicky Jepson, Yaya Toure and Ian Bateman
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/3xk5VJP)
We’re joined by three learners on this year's Pro Licence course in this episode – Vicky Jepson, Yaya Toure and Ian Bateman. We get insight into what the Pro Licence course looks like from the inside, and they share their top coaching advice.
The three coaches each bring with them a unique perspective. We speak with Vicky abo
S4 Ep17: Helping players who are colour blind with Ryan Davies
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/3VpKT6d)
Around 1 in 12 males and 1 in 200 females have colour blindness to a degree. And in the colourful game of football, this creates unique challenges for players with colour blindness.
In this episode, we’re joined by FA physical education officer, Ryan Davies. Ryan is part of the coach development team and works with teachers, tra
S4 Ep16: Managing player behaviour and engagement with Ben Hardaker
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/3OQHI3I)
The only person’s behaviour you can control is your own. This is advice that casual coach developer, Ben Hardaker, keeps with him when coaching. Ben has extensive experience in coaching and teaching, and he brings that expertise to this episode as we dive deep into the topic of behaviour.
There are many causes of poor behaviou
S4 Ep15: First steps into coaching with Suey Smith
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/48iTYkb)
While gaining experience is key to advancing as a coach, experience in football isn’t essential to getting started.
In this episode, we’re joined by Suey Smith, who since recording is now an FA youth coach developer in the professional game. We discover how Suey got into football and coaching when opportunities for females in
S4 Ep14: An insight into coaching adults with Sarah Lowden
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://bit.ly/47Tsh1a)
Coaching in the adult game and coaching in the youth game have their nuances, but they also share many similarities. In this episode, former FA regional coach development officer, Sarah Lowden, returns to explore this and to share her journey so far.
As a coach, it can be a challenge getting the most out of the hour a week that
S4 Ep13: Coaching 15 to 19-year-olds with Pete Augustine
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/podcasts/coachcast/w/coachcast-transcripts/1534/episode-thirteen-coaching-15-to-19-year-olds-with-pete-augustine)
When coaching teenagers, the only consistent thing is that they’re inconsistent. This insight comes from FA coach development officer, Pete Augustine.
In this episode, Pete shares with us his journey so
S4 Ep12: Dealing with poor behaviour with Vicky and Vinny
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/podcasts/coachcast/w/coachcast-transcripts/1533/episode-twelve-dealing-with-poor-behaviour-with-vicky-and-vinny)
In our ‘A conversation about our game survey’, 71% of people questioned believe poor behaviour is the most significant problem in grassroots football at the moment. That’s why we’ve decided to centre this e
S4 Ep11: Giving players the platform to develop and thrive with Debbie Barry
Transcript on England Football Community - (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/podcasts/coachcast/w/coachcast-transcripts/1532/episode-eleven-giving-players-the-platform-to-develop-and-thrive-with-debbie-barry)
If you just turn up, you could have a huge impact on someone’s life. This has been Debbie Barry’s experience, who joins us for the first time on Coachcast to share her journey so far and
S4 Ep10: The art of defending with Warren Hackett
Transcript on England Football Community (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/podcasts/coachcast/w/coachcast-transcripts/1531/episode-ten-the-art-of-defending-with-warren-hackett)
Becoming a defender might not be as popular with new players compared to being a striker. But there is a real art to defending. In this episode, Warren Hackett gives his insight on that and how we can help players devel
S4 Ep9: How to support player development with Adam Dunleavy
Transcript on England Football Community
In this episode, we discover the journey of Women’s High Performance Centre coach development officer, Adam Dunleavy and get his advice on supporting player development during training and matchday.
We dive deep into the coach-player connection and how understanding your players is a key that can propel players forward. Adam gives his insights into the ques
S4 Ep8: The future of youth football with Clare and Folly
Transcript on England Football Community
In this episode, senior national development manager Clare Daniels returns to Coachcast joined by head of grassroots coach development John (Folly) Folwell, to talk about the future of youth football.
The FA has worked with Liverpool John Moores University to record over 450 games in order to review the youth game. Clare and Folly give us a behind-the-sc
S4 Ep7: Using volume and variety effectively with Mark Leigh
Transcript on England Football Community
Coaches can improve their sessions by using volume and variety effectively. In this episode, we speak with FA coach development officer, Mark Leigh, who gives his insight on how to do just that.
Mark shares with us his journey into coaching. While he felt that coaching wasn’t for him to begin with, he shares with us the turning point that changed his mind.
S4 Ep6: Discover powerchair football with Adam McEvoy
Transcript on England Football Community
The 2023 FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup is here! What better time to learn more about the format?
In this episode, we sit down with Adam McEvoy, national development manager at the Wheelchair Football Association. Adam shares with us his journey into coaching and gives us an in-depth look into powerchair football.
The Wheelchair Football Association
S4 Ep5: Developing an engaging environment for all with Darren Grover
Transcript on England Football Community
In this episode, we’re joined by Darren Grover, FA PE officer for London and the South. Darren’s role has him supporting teachers and coaches in delivering high-quality education. We find out how Darren got started in football, and how he made it to his position today, as well as getting his valuable insights into a range of topics to help coaches and teach
S4 Ep4: Let's talk about safeguarding
[TRIGGER WARNING: This episode focuses on safeguarding and will reference lived experience of abuse in football.]
Transcript on England Football Community
Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding, but what does good safeguarding look like and how do we play our part? In this episode, we’re joined by Ellie and Mark - two grassroots coaches and representatives of the FA Survivor Support and Saf
S4 Ep3: The power of women in coaching with Sharon Muxworthy-McIvor
Transcript on England Football Community
Getting more women involved in coaching has a transformative impact on growing players. In this episode, Sharon Muxworthy-McIvor, shares with us her journey into her role as an FA coach development officer. Sharon’s support is targeted at growing women. We speak in depth about the importance of getting more women into the game and how those who are interest
S4 Ep2: Player development and session design with Phil Shead
Transcript on England Football Community
In this episode, we’re joined by FA youth coach developer, Phil Shead. Phil looks after five northeast-based clubs and brings with him plenty of top tips for coaches. He shares with us his journey so far and how he got to the position he’s in today.
We speak in depth about the transformational power of a people-focused approach to coaching over a more task-
S4 Ep1: Play Phase with Clare Daniels and Pete Sturgess
Transcript on England Football Community
To kick off the first episode of season 4, we’re joined by Clare Daniels & Pete Sturgess to discuss the Play Phase and their advice for how all adults can play a positive role in creating the best environment for players.
Clare & Pete give us the low-down on what exactly the Play Phase is and how it came about. The Play Phase is more than just a ph
S3 Ep23: Sam Griffiths and Andy Somers – good coaching skills
Transcript on England Football Community
Join us as we speak with national coach development lead, Andy Somers and coach development officer, Sam Griffiths. We dive deep into four key topics - observation, environment, player engagement and effective communication and our guests share some indispensable, actionable tips for coaches in these areas.
Firstly, we get Andy and Sam’s thoughts on what
S3 Ep22: How coaches can take inspiration from the Women's World Cup
Transcript on England Football Community
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is upon us! In this episode, we’re joined by game insights analysts, Katie Sorenson and Dan Simpson, to give us their Women’s World Cup insights and find out how coaches can take inspiration from tournament football. Katie and Dan also share with us what fixtures have caught their eye and which teams and players they’ll be keepi
S3 Ep21: Chris Day – making football inclusive
Transcript on England Football Community
To today’s guest, coaching is all about being open to lifelong learning, showing an interest in players’ lives and developing connections to understand them and meet their needs.
For Disability Awareness Day, we speak with Chris Day, who, since recording, has been appointed as the England deaf women’s head coach. We discover how Chris got into coaching a
S3 Ep20: Pro Licence insights – Amy Merricks, Lee Grant and Steve Bould
Transcript on England Football Community
Earlier in the season, we spoke with three learners on the UEFA Pro Licence course. In this special episode, we learn about their roles in the game and their transition into coaching. They also share their thoughts on the key skills they think coaches need and plenty of top coaching tips, as well as their experiences on the Pro Licence so far.
Amy Merrick
S3 Ep19: James Riches – how PE and play develops skilful players
Transcript on England Football Community
The power of imagination and play can both make for a more enjoyable experience for players and also help to develop their skills.
In this episode, FA regional PE officer James Riches returns to share his journey so far and to explore how we can develop skilful players through PE. James draws from his experiences to provide valuable advice for aspiring c
