🎙️ 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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