🎙️ 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:

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🔗 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

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🐦 X (Twitter): @gofootballcoach

📘 Facebook: @Go-Football-Coaching

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

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🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 23: JPL vs Grassroots – What’s the Real Difference?

In Episode 23 of the Go Football Podcast, Steve dives deep into one of the hottest debates in youth football: Junior Premier League (JPL) vs Grassroots Football. Is the JPL a better standard? Is it really worth the cost and commitment? Most importantly, is there a genuine pathway to the professional game from either route?

We explore the differences in coaching quality, competition level, player development, and the realities behind youth football pathways. Hear what coaches, parents, and referees really think about JPL and grassroots football and which environment might be best for your young player.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, player, or grassroots football fan, this episode gives you the insights you need to make informed decisions and understand the true landscape of youth football in England.

💬 We want to hear from YOU!

Got your own experiences or opinions about JPL or grassroots football? Drop us an email at gofootballpod@gmail.com or send us a message on our socials! Your stories and questions might feature in upcoming episodes.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

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#GrassrootsFootball #JuniorPremierLeague #JPLvsGrassroots #YouthFootball #FootballPathways #FootballDevelopment #FootballCoaching #SundayLeague #FootballPodcast #GoFootballPodcast #FootballParents #FootballTraining #YouthSports #FootballCommunity #FootballSkills #FootballDebate #FootballOpportunities #FootballJourney #FootballTalent #FootballFuture #FootballTalk

🎙️ Go Football Podcast – Episode 22: Tournament Season

Dive into the full thrill ride of tournament season in this high-energy episode of the Go Football Podcast! With finals, short formats, and nonstop action, it’s an emotional roller-coaster for coaches, parents, players—and we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you navigate it.

🔍

Do’s and Don’ts for Coaches & Parents

How to support your player through the highs and lows—without losing perspective. Learn the top behaviours to embrace (team-first mindset, calm sideline presence, encouragement) and what to avoid (over-coaching, sideline pressure, unrealistic expectations).

Emotional Guide for Players

Preparing minds as well as bodies: we explore how to help players handle buzz, nerves, team glitches, golden-goals and mini heartbreaks.

Tournament Preparation Tips

From rotation plans and hydration routines to surprise snacks and sleep strategies—stay ready all weekend.

Exclusive Offer – Laceeze Laceless Football Boots

Upgrade your game with Laceeze, the sleek laceless football boot loved by grassroots players. Use discount code “GoFootballPod” at checkout for 10% off and free delivery at Laceeze.com! ⚽👟

Listener Shoutouts

We want to hear about your tournament triumphs! Send in your stories, scores, or funny moments via email—get a shoutout next week.

🎧 Tune In & Stay Ahead:

Listen now on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and CasterBox, and search “Go Football Podcast” to subscribe.

📩 Tell us about your tournament wins, moments of pride, or lessons learned at gofootballpod@gmail.com—your stories will be featured in the next episode!

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