Go Football Coaching

Girls football with Wildcats!

Have Fun, Make Friends, Play Football.

Are you looking for a fun way for girls 5-11 to get involved with football? Then look no further! Wildcats is the place to be.

So, what is Wildcats? Well, it’s non-competitive football for girls who want to give it a go for the very first time or want to play with other girls. Most importantly, Wildcats is all about having loads of fun and meeting new amazing friends.

Register interest here and we will contact you with the sessions start dates. Make sure to let us know which centre you are looking for.

* Aylestone Leisure Centre - 2 Knighton Lane East, Leicester, LE2 6LU

* Evington Leisure Centre - Downing Drive, Leicester, LE5 6LP

* Braunstone Leisure Centre - 2 Hamelin Road, Leicester, LE3 1JN

* Leicester Leys Leisure Centre - Beaumont Way, Leicester, LE4 1DS

https://enrolmy.com/go-football-coaching/activity/22-Register_Your_Interest_Wildcats_Football_for_Girls_5_11

Go Football Podcast Episode 62 - Football IQ – Can You Actually Coach It?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5SJWjL5Dooq6NoMSzyWpPY

What separates good players from great players?

Is it speed? Technique? Physicality?

Or is it something less visible…

Football IQ?

In Episode 62 of the Go Football Podcast, Steve dives into one of the most debated topics in player development: Can football intelligence actually be coached, or is it something players are simply born with?

From scanning and awareness to decision-making and game understanding, this episode explores what Football IQ really means and why some players always seem to have more time and space than everyone else on the pitch.

Research into elite footballers consistently shows that higher-level players:

* Scan more frequently before receiving the ball
* Process information faster
* Make better decisions under pressure
* Recognise patterns earlier than other players

But if that’s true, how can grassroots coaches help young players develop these skills?

In this episode we discuss:

⚽ What Football IQ actually is
⚽ Why scanning is one of the most important skills in football
⚽ The difference between technique and decision-making
⚽ How elite players process information faster
⚽ Why over-coaching can reduce player intelligence
⚽ The dangers of constantly giving instructions from the sidelines
⚽ How small-sided games help develop awareness and decision-making
⚽ Why questioning players can be more powerful than telling them answers
⚽ How confidence and Football IQ are linked
⚽ Whether Football IQ becomes more important as players get older

Studies into football performance have found that elite players scan significantly more often than lower-level players before receiving possession, allowing them to make quicker and more effective decisions.

The episode also explores whether grassroots coaches are sometimes unintentionally limiting Football IQ development by solving every problem for players instead of allowing them to think for themselves.

This is a must-listen episode for coaches, parents, and players who want to understand what truly separates the smartest footballers from the rest.

Because football isn’t always about making the perfect pass…

Sometimes it’s about seeing the pass before everyone else.

📧 Contact us: [email protected]

Follow us on socials:

⚽ Go Football Podcast
⚽ Go Football Coaching

Helping grow the grassroots game

1v1 DECISION MAKING | TWO-PHASE ATTACKING GAME

This competitive 1v1 practice challenges players to solve different attacking problems across two phases, developing decision making, ball control, and finishing under pressure.

PHASE 1 – FACE-TO-FACE 1v1
The attacker starts directly against the defender, looking to create space, beat their opponent, and score in either of the two mini goals.
With two goals available, attackers must constantly assess:�➡ Which goal is open?�➡ Can I attack quickly?�➡ Do I change direction?�➡ Can I use a disguise or feint?

PHASE 2 – BACK TO GOAL
The second phase adds a different challenge. The ball is played into the attacker with their back to goal, forcing them to receive under pressure before turning, protecting the ball, or spinning away from the defender.

The two mini goals create multiple scoring opportunities, meaning players must make quick decisions while reacting to the defender’s positioning.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• 1v1 attacking skills�• Receiving with back to goal�• Protecting possession under pressure�• Turning and changing direction�• Ball mastery and creativity�• Quick decision making�• Finishing into mini goals�• Awareness and reactions

Join us for fun football for 2-4yrs and 5-8yrs at Mountsorrel Momorial Centre

It’s pressure free and all about enjoyment! Here’s where to find us:

Saturdays
2-4 yrs - 9:15
5-8 yrs - 10:00

It’s absolutely free to come and have a trial session with Go Little Footballers!

Register interest and come for a free trial!

https://enrolmy.com/go-football-coaching/activity/16-Register_Your_Interest_Go_Little_Footballers


MMC Venue

Join us for fun football at:

Mountsorrel Momorial Centre

Saturdays
2-4 yrs - 9:15
5-8 yrs - 10:00

Soar Valley Leisure Centre

Mondays
2-4 yrs - 10:15

Aylestone Leisure Centre

Tuesdays
2-4 yrs - 10:15

It’s pressure free and all about enjoyment! Here’s where to find us:

It’s absolutely free to come and have a trial session with Go Little Footballers!

Register interest and come for a free trial!

https://enrolmy.com/go-football-coaching/activity/16-Register_Your_Interest_Go_Little_Footballers

Go Football Podcast Episode 61 - Are Parents Pushing Out Good Coaches?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4MuTxLvR5IpzT080GqWUhU

Grassroots football runs on volunteers.

Every week, thousands of coaches give up their evenings, weekends, and family time to help young players develop, enjoy the game, and create lifelong memories.

But what happens when those coaches decide they’ve had enough?

In Episode 61 of the Go Football Podcast, Steve tackles one of the most sensitive and important topics in grassroots football today:

Are parents forcing good coaches out of the game?

This episode isn’t about parent bashing. In fact, grassroots football simply couldn’t survive without the incredible support, commitment, and sacrifices made by parents every single week.

However, it also explores the growing pressures that many volunteer coaches face, including:

⚽ Sideline coaching and constant instructions during games
⚽ Complaints about playing time, positions, and substitutions
⚽ Unrealistic expectations placed on volunteer coaches
⚽ The impact of social media and comparison culture
⚽ Why coach burnout is becoming a growing issue in grassroots sport
⚽ How criticism and conflict can affect coach retention
⚽ The long-term impact on clubs and players when experienced coaches walk away

Research across grassroots sport consistently shows that volunteer recruitment and retention is one of the biggest challenges facing community clubs. Many grassroots organisations report ongoing difficulties attracting and keeping coaches, while studies have identified emotional exhaustion, lack of appreciation, and adult conflict as common reasons volunteers leave.

The episode also looks at the hidden consequences of losing experienced coaches. When good coaches step away, players lose more than just a football session. They lose mentors, role models, consistency, and valuable development opportunities.

Most importantly, this discussion asks whether modern grassroots football is placing too much pressure on volunteers who are simply trying to provide a positive experience for young players.

Because while everyone wants the best for their child, creating a positive football environment requires coaches, parents, clubs, and players all pulling in the same direction.

A thought-provoking episode for coaches, parents, club volunteers, and anyone who cares about the future of grassroots football.

📧 Contact us: [email protected]

Follow us on social media:

⚽ Go Football Podcast
⚽ Go Football Coaching

Are we supporting our grassroots coaches enough… or are we slowly driving them away?

This simple but effective 3-player football warm-up combines passing, movement, and dribbling into one continuous activation practice suitable for all age groups and abilities.

Players are constantly involved as they pass, move to support, receive on the move, and dribble into the next position before repeating the sequence. The practice develops technical skills while raising heart rates and preparing players for the demands of training or match day.

The continuous flow encourages players to:
➡ Pass with quality
➡ Move immediately after passing
➡ Receive with a positive first touch
➡ Dribble into space with control
➡ Communicate and support teammates

🔑 KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Passing and receiving• First touch and ball control• Dribbling technique• Movement off the ball• Creating passing angles• Communication and awareness• Technical activation and warm-up

⚡ WHY THIS PRACTICE WORKS

This drill is perfect for the start of any session because it combines multiple football actions into one flowing practice.

Players develop:
✔ Better passing accuracy
✔ Improved first touches
✔ Confidence carrying the ball
✔ Movement habits off the ball
✔ Match-ready sharpness

With only 3 players required, it's ideal for team warm-ups, small groups, 1-2-1 sessions, or pre-match activation.

🎯 PERFECT FOR:

• All age groups
• Team warm-ups
• Technical training sessions
• Pre-match preparation
• Grassroots and academy players

Simple setup. Constant involvement. Maximum touches.

Pass. Move. Dribble. Repeat.