🎙️ 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!

Grassroots Football FA Banned Words Academy Elite Academy vs Grassroots Football Football Club Marketing Rules Football Coaching Podcast Best Football Podcast 2025 Youth Football Development Grassroots Football Coaching Coaching Young Footballers UK Football Podcast FA Grassroots Regulations Protecting Grassroots Players Football Training and Development Youth Soccer Coaching Tips Go Football Podcast

#GoFootballPodcast #GrassrootsFootball #FootballCoaching #YouthFootball #FootballAcademy #FootballElite #FARegulations #CoachingFootball #FootballTraining #SoccerCoaching #FootballParents #BestFootballPodcast #CoachingYouthFootball #FootballDevelopment #GrassrootsSoccer #FootballPodcast #SoccerParents #YouthSoccer #ModernFootball #ProtectGrassroots

🎙️ 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!

Grassroots Football Football Basics vs Tactics Youth Football Development How to Coach Youth Football Football Coaching Podcast Best Football Podcast 2025 Coaching Football Fundamentals Grassroots Player Development Football Skills Training Modern Football Coaching UK Grassroots Football Podcast Football Training Tips Youth Football Coaching Go Football Podcast

#GoFootballPodcast #GrassrootsFootball #FootballCoaching #YouthFootball #FootballSkills #FootballTactics #SoccerCoaching #FootballParents #FootballPodcast #GrassrootsCoach #SoccerTraining #FootballPlayerDevelopment #ModernFootballCoaching #BestFootballPodcast #CoachingFootball

🎙️ 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

Football Podcast, Fitness in Football, Grassroots Football Fitness, Match Fitness, Youth Football Development, Grassroots Coaching, Football Training Tips, Injury Prevention Football, Coaching Kids Football, Football Podcast UK, Player Development, Football Physical Literacy, Football Strength and Conditioning #GoFootballPodcast #FootballFitness #GrassrootsFootball #YouthFootball #PlayerDevelopment #MatchReady #FootballTraining #InjuryPrevention #FootballStrength #FootballConditioning #FootballPodcastUK #SpotifyFootball #AmazonMusicPodcast #YouTubeFootballChat #FootballLife #FitnessInFootball #TrainSmart

🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 13: Games Gone? Old Skool vs New Skool Football ⚽

Is the game we love changing too much… or changing for the better?

In Episode 13, we tackle a hot topic in the football world: Has the game gone soft? This episode dives into the ever-growing debate between the Old Skool and New Skool approaches to football — especially in the grassroots game.

🗣️ Join us as we discuss:

✅ The rise of "softer" rule changes – are they for protection or limiting the game’s spirit?

✅ Old Skool football values like hard tackles, grit, and no-nonsense play vs the New Skool emphasis on skill, safety, and support.

✅ How modern coaching, technology, and new FA guidelines are reshaping the grassroots landscape.

✅ Are we protecting young players or holding them back?

✅ Real stories from the pitch and insight from referees, coaches, and parents across generations.

Whether you're nostalgic for mud and crunching tackles, or passionate about development and safeguarding – this episode is for you.

💬 We want to hear from YOU! Share your thoughts at gofootballpod@gmail.com – are you Team Old Skool or Team New Skool?

🙏 Thanks again to our amazing listeners across Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music and beyond for your continued support!

🎯 Perfect for:

Grassroots football coaches | Parents | Youth players | Football fans | Referees | Sports educators | Anyone with strong opinions on how the game has changed!

Football Podcast, Grassroots Football, Has The Game Gone Soft, Football Culture, Old School Football, Modern Football, FA Rule Changes, Coaching Philosophy, Football Development, Football Safeguarding, Youth Football, UK Football Podcast, Refereeing Changes, Tackling in Football, Respect in Football #GoFootballPodcast #GamesGone #OldSkoolVsNewSkool #GrassrootsFootball #YouthFootball #FootballDebate #FootballRules #FootballCulture #FootballPodcastUK #FAChanges #RespectTheGame #ModernFootball #FootballCoaching #SpotifyPodcast #AmazonMusicPodcasts #YouTubeFootballTalk

🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 12: Donor Sports in Football ⚽

Welcome back to the Go Football Podcast – the show for coaches, parents, players, and referees at all levels of the grassroots game!

In Episode 12, we explore a fascinating topic in player development: Donor Sports – other sports that help shape better footballers. From improving footwork to boosting reaction time and agility, donor sports play a key role in developing well-rounded players.

👟 This week we cover:

✅ What are donor sports and why do they matter in football?

✅ How sports like basketball, futsal, and badminton transfer key skills into the football world.

✅ The role of badminton in goalkeeper development – enhancing reflexes, footwork, and hand-eye coordination.

✅ Real examples of professional footballers with multi-sport backgrounds.

✅ How grassroots coaches and parents can use donor sports in training.

💬 Whether you're looking to help young players improve coordination, agility, or decision-making, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and practical tips.

📩 Get in touch!

We love hearing from you! Drop us a message at gofootballpod@gmail.com – share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes.

🙏 Big thanks to our growing community of listeners across Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and beyond!

🎯 Perfect for:

Grassroots football coaches | Parents | Goalkeepers | Sports educators | Youth footballers | Referees | Multi-sport athletes

Football Podcast, Grassroots Football, Youth Football Coaching, Multi-Sport Athletes, Donor Sports, Goalkeeper Training, Football Player Development, Player Pathways, Football Education, FA Coaching, Coaching Tips, Football Parents, 1v1 Football, Badminton for Goalkeepers, Futsal, Basketball and Football, Talent ID, Physical Literacy #GoFootballPodcast #GrassrootsFootball #DonorSports #YouthFootball #FootballDevelopment #FootballCoach #FootballParents #FootballGoalkeepers #Badminton #Futsal #MultiSportAthlete #FootballFitness #PlayerDevelopment #AmazonMusic #SpotifyPodcast #YouTubeFootball #UKFootballPodcast #RefSupport

🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 11: Ref Watch – Celebrating Grassroots Referees 🏁⚽

In Episode 11 of the Go Football Podcast, we turn the spotlight on the unsung heroes of the game—grassroots referees! From officiating local leagues to progressing through the ranks, referees are vital to keeping the game fair, safe, and enjoyable for all.

With a rising number of new referees joining the game, now is the perfect time to discuss the best ways to find a referee for your matches, how to support referees, and why respect for officials is more important than ever in grassroots football.

🏁 In This Episode, We Cover:

✅ The Growth of Grassroots Refereeing

The increase in new referees joining the game and how it benefits football at all levels.

✅ How to Get a Referee for Your Matches

The best times to secure a referee for your league or tournament.

Tips for clubs, leagues, and coaches on booking officials in advance.

✅ The Challenges Referees Face in Grassroots Football

Dealing with abuse from the sidelines and how clubs can create a more respectful environment.

✅ Spotting a Young Referee on Game Day

How to tell if the referee is under 18.

✅ Trivia Time – Referee Edition!

Did you know the first red card in a World Cup was given in 1974?

What’s the youngest age you can qualify as a referee? Find out in this episode!

🎧 A Huge Thank You to Our Listeners!

We appreciate everyone who tunes in weekly to the Go Football Podcast! Thank you for your emails, social media messages, and episode votes. Keep the conversation going—your input shapes our show!

📩 Get in Touch: Have a referee story or question? Email us at gofootballpod@gmail.com and you could be featured in a future episode!

📣 Listen & Subscribe Now

Catch the Go Football Podcast on:

✅ Spotify

✅ Amazon Music

✅ YouTube

✅ Podbean

✅ CastBox

Hit follow and subscribe for weekly insights into grassroots football, from coaching tips to referee rules and more!

#GoFootballPodcast #FootballPodcast #RefWatch #GrassrootsReferee #RespectTheRef #FAReferees #FootballOfficiating #RefereeLife #FootballCoaching #FootballDevelopment #SoccerReferee #RefereeRespect #FARespect #MatchDay #GameDay #FootballLaws #GrassrootsFootball #RefereePathway #FootballTalk #YouthFootball #FootballCommunity #SoccerPodcast #RefereeTraining #FARefCourses #Football #GoFootballPodcast #FootballPodcast #GoalkeepersUnite #GrassrootsGoalkeeper #GoalkeeperLife #YouthFootball #FootballCoaching #FARefCourses #FootballDevelopment #RefereePathway #CoachingTips #GrassrootsCoaching #FootballEducation #SoccerRefs #RefereeRespect #MatchDay #GameDay #FootballTrivia #FootballSkills #FootyTalk #FARefSupport #FootballDecisions #PremierLeagueRefs #FARefereesAssociation #RespectTheGame

🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 10: The Dark Arts of Grassroots Football ⚽😈

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Go Football Podcast, where we expose the dark arts of grassroots football—the clever (and sometimes controversial) tactics teams use to gain an edge on match day. From time-wasting and pitch manipulation to mind games and set-piece deception, we break down the little tricks that can frustrate opponents and influence results in youth football, Sunday League, and amateur football.

🔥 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ Time-Wasting Tactics – Slow goal kicks, fake cramp, taking forever on throw-ins, and last-minute subs to run the clock down.

✅ Pitch Manipulation – Long grass to stop quick passing, dry pitches to slow the ball, and narrow markings to limit attacking space. Ever played in a freezing cold changing room? Yep, that’s part of the game too!

✅ Psychological Mind Games – Over-the-top celebrations, fake shouts to confuse defenders, delaying set pieces, and the classic “appeal for everything” strategy.

✅ Set-Piece Shenanigans – Standing on the keeper at corners, delaying free kicks, and shielding the ball in the corner to waste time—how far is too far?

If you’re involved in grassroots football, coaching, Sunday League, or youth football development, this episode is packed with real-world insights, tactical knowledge, and a few laughs about the tricks we’ve all seen (or used!) on the pitch.

📺 Watch the on YouTube

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Amazon music & more

💬 Got a story about grassroots football dark arts? We’d love to hear it! Email us at gofootballpod@gmail.com or message us on social media.

🔗 Follow & Subscribe for More Grassroots Football Content:

👉 Go Football Coaching on 👉 Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TicTok

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your football mates!

⚽️ Grassroots give away with My Next Football Team for 10 Mitre Impel Footballs! Check them out at www.mynextfootballteam.com

#GrassrootsFootball #FootballPodcast #GoFootballPodcast #SundayLeague #FootballMindGames #CoachingTips #FootballTactics #DarkArts #AmateurFootball #SundayLeagueTactics #YouthFootball

🎙️ Go Football Podcast x Grass Route Podcast – Grassroots Football Special! ⚽

In this exciting collaboration, the Go Football Podcast joins forces with PJ and Winnie from the Grass Route Podcast to break down some of the biggest talking points in grassroots football. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the ever-evolving game!

🔥 Topics We Cover:

✅ Drills vs. Game Sessions – What’s better for player development?

✅ New 3v3 Format – How will this change the way kids learn football?

✅ The Goalkeeper 8-Second Rule – A game-changer for next season?

With the new FA rules coming in, we discuss how these changes will affect grassroots football and what it means for young players.

📺 Watch the full video edit on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Udxbig_Xmrk?si=4Glco4OwejYhy5uM

💬 Got thoughts or questions? Contact us at Gofootballpod@gmail.com

🔗 Follow & Subscribe for More Grassroots Football Content:

👉 Go Football Podcast: https://youtube.com/@go-football-coaching?si=xChHs-Sd1vRhrR3o

👉 GrassRoute Podcast: https://youtube.com/@thegrassroutepodcast?si=v8g9rHY6nJAvrNXv

#GrassrootsFootball #GoFootballPodcast #GrassRoutePodcast #YouthFootball #FootballDevelopment #CoachingTips #FAChanges #FootballTraining