The Football Fun Factory Podcast

What's the best thing about being a football coach? In our latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, we put this question on trial, with some fantastic answers!We also debate which celebrity would make a fantastic Head Coach at the FFF, with a couple of interesting answers from James and Luke..And to round out the debate, we find out the hardest moments in the coaching careers for the guys.An action-packed podcast full of all sorts of insight from the guys!

How can we inspire the next generation of football coaches? What are Luke and Jonny's best moments as football coaches? And what would we change about Academy Football?We put these questions on trial in our latest podcast episode with some surprising answers coming from the guys!Listen and watch for some brilliant stories about the impact the guys have had on children through football coaching, and some great discussions around what we can do to create even more opportunities for football coaches!

What is the best thing about Academy Football? What is the least enjoyable age group to coach? The most important quality for a football coach to have? Listen in to our latest Football Fun Factory podcast episode as the guys debate all of these topics!With some brilliant discussions, some big shouts and plenty of stories from 30+ years working within football, this episode is packed full of plenty of relatable moments for any football coach!

Listen in to our latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, as we discuss our Top Tip for Grassroots Football Parents!The guys also talk through which age group is the most enjoyable to coach in their eyes, as well as take things back to their childhood, talking through the best piece of advice they received as a child.With some brilliant tips, fantastic conversations, as well as some stories from Luke's playing days, this is a great listen for any grassroots football coach, football parent or Luke Chadwick mega fan!

Listen in to the latest Episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, as we debate 3 more big questions within children's football coaching, as well as ask Luke Chadwick a couple of burning questions.From the best way to get children to listen while coaching, James and Jonny's 'why' when it comes to football coaching as well as which current professional would make a great Football Fun Factory Coach!This episode is packed full of brilliant debate, with an interesting shout from James about which current pro would make a great FFF Coach!

What is the best coaching advice you have ever received? How about your best memory playing football, or even what you believe is most important in children's football.In the latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, we put these topics on trial as the guys battle it out in the court-room to see who comes out on top.Listen in to hear some fantastic coaching advice, some great footballing memories, as well as whether safety or fun comes out on top when coaching children's football.

How much time should there be in a training session, what's the biggest 'no-no' in children's football coaching, and the biggest question of all, what is the worst thing about coaching football..In our latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, the guys debate it all.Listen in for some brilliant insight and some relatable moments for any passionate grassroots football coach!

What is the worst thing you've seen happen in grassroots football? Is it a coach barking orders at the children they're coaching, or perhaps a full-blown fight on the pitch... What is the hardest part of being a grassroots coach, and what is the most important skill for a child to master when learning football? All of these points are discussed and battled out in the latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast!

We are back for Season 4 of the Football Fun Factory podcast, with a big twist! We're putting our trusty spinner in charge of our podcast, as we pick some of the big topics within football to discuss. From the best footballing conditions to the worst position to be playing, as well as the best way to inspire children. In the first episode of the new series, we debate these hot topics, as the spinner poses some big questions to the guys! Take a watch or listen and see who ends up as judge, and who takes home the win!

At the Football Fun Factory, we are always 'welcoming' but as we kick off a new year, we are set to be making a real effort to be 'welcoming' as we're excited to welcome lots of new faces to our sessions, as well as welcome back familiar faces after the Christmas break. We're excited to kick off a new year with plenty of energy and excitement, and we cannot wait to be 'welcoming' along lots of children to our sessions very soon!

When it comes the grassroots football, who is more important? Is it the players who make the game possible, or is it the managers who make everything around the game possible? Players come to training and the matches but it's the managers who do a lot of the work to make training and matches happen, so who is more important? In the final episode of season 3, we put this topic on trial, as we aim to decide who is more important, the players or the manager!

It's our final Word of the Week for 2024, and we have made 'thoughtful' the final word to focus on this year at the FFF. Being thoughtful is so important at this time of year, as we reflect on the year that has passed, and look ahead to 2025. We wanted to take a moment to pause and be 'thoughtful' as we get ready for an exciting 2025!

This week at the Football Fun Factory our Word of the Week is 'family'! As we get ready for a break over the festive period, we're focussing on family, both the importance of spending time with family, as well as how we create a family feel within our sessions at the Football Fun Factory! Take a listen to FFF Founders James and Jony discussing the power of family at the Football Fun Factory!

When it comes to grassroots football, what is more important, winning or having fun? In the latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, we put this topic on trial as we debate whether it's more important to win, or have fun. Are these two things linked, and can you only be having fun if you're winning? Or will children still have fun, no matter the result... Another heated debate sees Luke and James pitted against each other as they battle it out in Jonny's court, with only one point of view being crowned the winner... Listen and watch our latest podcast episode now!

This week our Word of the Week is 'dynamic'! We'll be talking to the children about what it means to be dynamic, and how they can showcase their dynamism in our sessions. From lots of movement to plenty of energy, we can't wait to see the children being 'dynamic' in our sessions this week!

This week at our sessions we are teaching the children we coach all about how they can be responsible, both at our football sessions, as well as in other areas of life too. Through our word of the week, we teach children so many valuable life skills, and we can't wait to see the children showcasing responsible behaviours this week!

Who's responsibility is it to wash the kit within grassroots football? Should it be the coaches responsibility or should children take the lead with washing their kits? There's lots of brilliant life lessons that can be learnt from washing the kit, but would children really end up washing the kit, or would it just be parents burdened with the task. In episode 28 of the Football Fun Factory podcast, we discuss who should wash the kit in grassroots football!

With a new month kicking off, and the festive period beginning to get going we're making 'giving' our Word of the Week at our sessions for the week ahead. We love to see children showcasing this brilliant character trait, and we hope that through showcasing giving, the children who attend the FFF will enjoy 'giving' as much as receiving gifts this festive period! Check out the full videocast with FFF Founders James and Jonny.

Adaptability is our Word of the Week, but what does it mean? It's a big word for the children we coach to understand, so ahead of the sessions we'll be delivering this week James and Jonny sat down to talk about adaptability, what it means and how children can showcase it within our sessions.

Episode 27 of the Football Fun Factory podcast discusses the Player of the Match award in children's football. Is this award essential or is it ruining children's football? When the way that a child is selected varies so much from club to club, how can this be a fair award? Is it just something that has become part of the game, and we should accept that there's always going to be one child who wins it more than other. Or should the award focus on more than just who scores the most goals, and focus on the brilliant qualities that every child can showcase within grassroots football.

Are you curious about our Word of the Week this week? Take a listen to James and Jonny as they discuss what curiosity means, how children can showcase this within our session, and the importance of curiosity in our experiences.

Kindness is our Word of the Week at the FFF! Learn from our founders James and Jonny as they talk through the power of kindness. We love to see children showcasing kindness within our sessions and this week we'll be on the lookout for it within the children we coach!

Should goal bonuses be allowed in children's football? In this episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, we debate the big conversation about goal bonuses. Is there a real benefit to having these within children's football, or are these incentives causing more harm than good? In previous generations, goal bonuses were seen as a bit of fun amongst families, and it was more about the goal than the money. Are we now in an age where children care too much about the money they'll get, and is this impacting the enjoyment of grassroots football for children? Listen in to the podcast to hear our thoughts on this big topic which is dominating the grassroots game currently!

This week our Word of the Week at the FFF is Confidence. We love to see children grow in confidence through the experiences that we offer. Ahead of our sessions this week, James and Jonny sat down to talk about confidence and how it can be showcased within the children we coach!

This week our Word of the Week is 'active'! Ahead of our session this week, James and Jonny sat down to discuss all about our Word of the Week. We love to encourage active lifestyles within the FFF and look forward to seeing the children within our sessions being 'active'!

Are the best footballers in the world all both-footed? In the latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, we debate whether you need to be 'both-footed' to make it to the very top of the game. In training, should we be focused on using both feet or isn't it necessary? James and Luke debate this topic in Jonny's court, before the guys give their real opinions on the topic, with Luke giving some brilliant insight into his playing days as well.

Enthusiasm is our Word of the Week across our sessions at the FFF this week. We're set for another exciting week of football fun, ahead of our sessions James and Jonny got together to talk all about 'enthusiasm' including what it means, as well as how children can showcase it within our sessions. Take a watch and listen!

Versatility is our Word of the Week across our sessions this week. It's a big word, but one that we are looking forward to seeing the children showcase within our experiences. Ahead of our sessions this week, James and Jonny sat down to talk all about 'versatility' as well as how children can showcase this word.

In the latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, we debate the benefits and drawbacks of unopposed practice within football training. Is there a point to it? Or is it a waste of time? James and Luke argue out the latest hot topic in football coaching in Jonny's court, before the guys have deep dive into their real thoughts on unopposed practice.

This week our Word of the Week is 'Politeness' so ahead of our sessions this week, James and Jonny talk all about Politeness. You and your child can listen to our podcast to learn all about our Word of the Week and how it can be showcased within our sessions.

We have made ambition our Word of the Week across our sessions at the Football Fun Factory this week. It's perfect timing with the new school year in full flow, and the end of the year approaching now. Ahead of our sessions this week, parents and their children can listen in to learn all about ambition and what it means.

In our latest podcast episode, we tackle the question: Should children pass in football? Whether you're a parent, coach, or young player, this video will is a must-watch as debate the benefits and drawbacks of passing and 'ball hogging' within football. Take a listen to see what James, Jonny and Luke think!

Inclusive is the Word of the Week across our sessions at the Football Fun Factory. Listen in to our latest Word of the Week podcast episode where James and Jonny talk through inclusivity at the Football Fun Factory.

This week our Word of the Week is 'gratitude' and ahead of our sessions this week, James and Jonny have sat down to talk all around gratitude. Ahead of our sessions this week, you and your child can listen in to learn a bit more about our Word of the Week.

In episode 22 of the Football Fun Factory podcast, we put 1-2-1 coaching on trial! Does this type of coaching have a place within youth football? Are there benefits for the children who take part in these sessions, or is 1-2-1 coaching just another trend in the football coaching industry? With the rise in 1-2-1 coaching organisations, it's clear that there is demand for this type of coaching. But can 1-2-1 coaching really develop a child's football skills further or faster than traditional group coaching sessions? Listen in as we put this topic on trial!

We're kings and queens of positivity at the FFF, that's why it's our Word of the Week across our sessions.⁠ ⁠ Everything we do at the FFF has positivity in mind, and through the positive environments that we create at our sessions, we're able to help children be the best versions of themselves.⁠ ⁠ We love to see the positivity within the children attending our sessions, and how that positive energy always comes through during our sessions.⁠ ⁠ This week we'll be talking to the children about how they can showcase positivity within our sessions.

Teamwork is our Word of the Week at the Football Fun Factory. As a new month kicks off and a new school year gets underway, there will be lots of opportunities for teamwork across our communities within the UK and Ireland.⁠ ⁠ At the FFF, we see brilliant teamwork across our sessions week in and week out, with the children attending our programmes always working as a team.⁠ ⁠ This week at our sessions, we will be talking to the children about what makes good teamwork, why it is so important in football, as well as how teamwork can be used in other parts of their lives too!

Should grassroots coaches have initials on their kit? In the first episode of season 3, Jonny Martin takes up the judge's seat as we debate another hot topic in children's football coaching. This week we put on trial the question of whether grassroots coaches should have initials on their kits. It's a topic that divides opinions and this week the guys are debating whether there are more benefits or drawbacks to grassroots coaches having initials on their coaching kit.

Our Word of the Week is 'Motivation' so as the new week kicks off, why not hear from James and Jonny about what motivates us at the FFF, as well as how we work motivation into our sessions for the children that we coach.

Being thoughtful is something that everybody can do! At the FFF we love to focus on developing life skills, just as much as football skills. We think this week's Word of the Week is a brilliant one, and it's a skill that we see on show at our programmes all of the time.

In the final episode of season 2 James, Jonny and Luke debate the FA's latest introduction to the grassroots game. With the removal of heading and throw-ins now a part of youth football, what impact will this have on the children's game? Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks of these new rule changes, and how can we expect to see the way football is played in England develop in the years to come.

Excitement is our Word of the Week at the FFF! This week we've got lots to be excited about, including our latest video where FFF Founders James and Jonny talk all about excitement and what it means at the FFF. Take a watch!

A new month can often mean some newfound optimism! At the FFF, we like to think that we're the kings and queens of optimism. Ahead of our programmes this week, James and Jonny sat down to discuss our Word of the Week, which is 'optimism'

In the latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast James, Jonny and Luke debate the benefits and the potential drawbacks of having A & B teams in youth football. Do the benefits of this structure within youth football outweigh the potential negative impact that this could have on a child's development. Luke played within A & B teams during his time at Manchester United, so is well-placed to offer insight from someone who played at the highest level with this structure implemented! Take a listen to what is another brilliant podcast!

Friend! That's our Word of the Week for our sessions this week. With it being Friendship Day this week, we thought it was a brilliant word to focus on.⁠ ⁠ We love to see friends attending our programmes here at the FFF, but we also love to see new friendships being formed as a result of our experiences.⁠ ⁠ Football has an incredible ability to bring people together, create new friendships as well as strengthen existing ones.⁠ ⁠ At the FFF, we'll be talking to the children all about what the word friend means to them, as well as how they can make new friends with each other.⁠

Togetherness is the Word of the Week for our sessions at the Football Fun Factory. With the Olympics kicking off this week, what a brilliant word it is to showcase. The Olympics are all about ‘togetherness' bringing people from different backgrounds, beliefs and countries all together, through the power of sport. At the Football Fun Factory, we aim to use the power of football to do the exact same thing. The togetherness that we see within our communities is truly incredible, and we love to witness the children at our sessions showcasing brilliant togetherness. This week at the sessions, we'll be talking to the children about how they can showcase ‘togetherness' throughout, and how they can also take what they learn at our sessions, and apply it to other parts of their lives, whether it's at home or at school!

Should children play in different positions at a grassroots level? In the latest episode of the Football Fun Factory podcast, Luke and Jonny debate whether children should be playing in different positions each week, or whether they should just stick to one! With plenty of playing experience around the table (mainly through Luke) this episode gives a great insight into both sides of this debate.

The focus is on fun at the Football Fun Factory. This week, we're making ‘Focus' our Word of the Week.⁠ ⁠ We love to see children focused at our sessions, and we are able to keep them focused through creating a fun and engaging environment for them to enjoy their football within.⁠ ⁠ At our sessions this week, we'll be asking the children what they think focus means, as well as how they can show it within our sessions this week.⁠ ⁠ In keeping with the spirit of ‘focus' we'd love to focus on our Football Fun Factory podcast, created by founders James and Jonny! Each week they talk through our Word of the Week so that children can have a bit of insight about the Word of the Week, ahead of their sessions.⁠

It's been a celebration of football with the Euro's running these last few weeks, so with the final this Sunday, it only seems right that we make Celebration our Word of the Week. It's been great to see so many celebrations on the biggest stage of them all, but what we love to see is the celebrations within our community. At the FFF we love to see celebration on show in it's most basic form after goals are being scored, but we also love to have a celebration of the children that make our programmes what they are. At the FFF at the end of every session, we celebrate children that showcase fantastic behaviours throughout our sessions, with our Blue Cards, and for our younger participants, we have a hand stamp to celebrate the end of a brilliant Tots session. We're all about celebration at the FFF, and we can't wait to hear what the children make of it as our Word of the Week this week!

Do England fans deserve more from the national team, or are people overreacting? Recorded on the eve of our final group game, the guys discussed the tournament so far, and whether as fans we need to leave it up to Southgate and trust in his judgement. A truly heated debate, which might leave listeners with more questions than answers!

Character is our Word of the Week for the upcoming week here at the Football Fun Factory.⁠ ⁠ At our sessions, we love to see children showcasing their characters and being themselves.⁠ ⁠ Whether it's at our Tots Football Fun or Football Fun & Development sessions, creating an environment where every child can be themselves, and showcase their true character is so important to us.⁠ ⁠ This week at our sessions, we'll be talking to the children about what character means, how they can showcase it, and also how they can be aware of other peoples character too!⁠