🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 24

"Grassroots Pre-Season: What Really Matters Before the Whistle Blows"

Welcome to Episode 24 of the Go Football Podcast, your trusted voice in grassroots football, hosted by Steve — a coach who’s been in the trenches and knows what makes grassroots tick.

This week, we dive into the pre-season period: the most underrated and misunderstood part of the football calendar. Whether you’re a coach looking to build a team that’s ready for the season, or a player looking to catch a coach’s eye, this episode is loaded with practical insight, personal experience, and real talk from the grassroots level.

⚽️ What This Episode Covers:

🧠 For Coaches:

Pre-season isn’t about the results on the scoreboard — it’s about building the foundations for your team’s success throughout the season. Steve breaks down exactly what coaches should focus on in July and August:

✅ Assessing fitness & sharpness without burning players out

✅ Testing formations, partnerships, and tactical changes

✅ Giving game time to trialists or new signings

✅ Building match fitness and improving decision-making

✅ Spotting the early signs of leaders and team culture

✅ Practising set pieces, transitions, and in-game challenges

Plus, Steve shares lessons from previous episodes, Episode 14 - Fitness in Football & Episode 15 - Tactics vs Basics — all linked to how teams prepare mentally and tactically.

🔥 For Players:

This episode is packed with tips for players who want to stand out in pre-season, especially if they’re:

Joining a new team

Hoping to play more minutes this year

Preparing for trials in grassroots clubs

What coaches are looking for in a player

Here’s what Steve recommends:

⚡ Turn up fit and focused — but don’t overtrain

⚡ Show that you’re coachable: listen, adapt, communicate

⚡ Mindset is a must - be positive and have a good workrate

⚡ Help your teammates, talk, and lead — even if you’re quiet

⚡ Be consistent across friendlies and training — not just one game

Steve also discusses how coaches really judge players, and why some talented kids fall short — while others with the right mentality go far.

🎧 Listen on Your Podcast Platforms:

Wherever you listen, we’re there:

🔗 Spotify:

🔗 Amazon Music:

🔗 Castbox:

🔗 YouTube (Video Edit):

🎧 Don’t forget to hit Follow, Subscribe, and Rate the show — it really helps more coaches, players, and parents find us.

💬 We Want to Hear From You!

Got a pre-season tip, success story, or nightmare? We want to feature your stories in upcoming episodes.

📩 Email: gofootballpod@gmail.com

💬 DM on social media:

📸 Instagram: @go_football_coaching/

🎵 TikTok: @gofootballcoaching

🎵 TikTok: @gofootballpodcast

🐦 X (Twitter): @gofootballcoach

📘 Facebook: @Go-Football-Coaching

We’ll shout out the best stories in future shows!

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