When kids want to quit: Tough love or sympathy?
Why managing your own emotions is the ultimate coaching tool.
It's Only Kids Football · Ben Welch and Mike Clark
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Show Notes
Ben and Mike deliver an honest reflection on the reality of being a football dad, diving into the difficult balance between coaching a player and raising a son. They explore stoicism, discussing how to handle your emotions and unrealistic expectations.
The conversation gets raw as they break down a gut-wrenching defeat played in "war zone" conditions, questioning why some losses stay with a coach longer than they do with the players. They challenge every parent to look in the mirror and ask: "Are you gutted for them, or are you just gutted for you?"
Beyond the mindset, they share practical coaching strategies to keep kids focused, from eliminating downtime during sessions to using 6-4-2 ball mastery to build a child’s skill and confidence.
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Arne Slot's sport psychologist on how you can develop your child's mental skills:
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