If you've ever watched your child shine in training but struggle on match day, you're not alone. This is a common experience in youth football. And while it's easy to worry or feel confused, the underlying reasons are deeply human and rooted in how our minds and bodies respond to pressure. ⚠️ The Pressure of Match Day Match day often feels like a test. There's: A crowd The sense of judgment (even if unspoken) The looming importance of the result When adults — coaches and pare

Water is essential for young athletes to maintain overall health and optimal athletic performance. Here are the top reasons why: 1. Fluid balance:  Replenishing lost fluids prevents dehydration, which can lead to decreased performance, muscle cramps, and an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. 2. Temperature regulation:  Staying hydrated supports the body's ability to regulate temperature, preventing overheating and heat-related issues. 3. Energy production:  Adequate hy

Here are three tips to help you learn faster and become a better footballer: 1. Show up on TIME: - Showing up on time is crucial for maximizing your learning opportunities. Consistent attendance at practices, training sessions, and games ensures that you don't miss out on important instructions and learning experiences - Punctuality also demonstrates your commitment. Arriving on time shows respect for your teammates and coaches 2. Listen to UNDERSTAND: - Actively lis

It is only when you take responsibility for your life that you discover how powerful you truly are. – Allanah Hunt Young players can take responsibility for their development by asking their coach these 2 questions at the end of practice/matches: 1. "What did I do well today?" This question emphasizes positivity and self-reflection. By asking this, young players are not only seeking praise but also recognizing their strengths and achievements. The benefits of this quest

"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times" - Bruce Lee Mastery in sports is the pinnacle of achievement in a particular athletic discipline. It represents the highest level of skill, knowledge, and performance that an athlete can attain in their chosen sport. Achieving mastery in sports typically requires a combination of natural talent and dedicated training. Mastery seldom happens overnight. Athletes

A group of boys aged 15-18 just completed their 1st season in the FKF Men's County League. At the start of the season, the intention was to gain valuable experience by: Playing against experienced and older opponents - fully grown MEN Playing in difficult AWAY environments - in some cases even hostile - especially when they see our young MULTI-CULTURAL team We knew it was going to be a WILD ride for the boys and our expectations were pretty low - mid table would have been a s