This week, Ben and Mike sit down with elite mindset coach Matt Baxter for an episode that digs deep into the emotional lives of young athletes and their parents. From confidence crashes and comparison traps, Matt talks through the common themes troubling young athletes and how parents and coaches can help them.

Matt shares the everyday mindset tools he uses to help kids bounce back from mistakes and how parents can be their child’s greatest coach. They unpack the emotional toll of parenting boys in sport, the pressure to be “tough,” and why sometimes the best support a parent can offer is to let go of the kid you think they should be.

This one’s not just about football—it’s about raising kids who believe in themselves in their toughest moments.

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This week, Ben and Mike wrap the final three games of the season. From a triumphant win overshadowed by tears to a painful derby defeat, this episode explores what happens when kids lose confidence on the pitch.

We hear how Alfie's off day became a turning point thanks to a powerful parenting tool called the “three-second rule” and why it’s helping players (and parents) process mistakes and move on.

There’s also plenty of laughter, including some top-tier nibbling from a rival coach and a moment of fatherly pride that nearly left Mike in tears.

From missed sitters and emotional triggers to progress, patience, and parenting, this one’s not just about football—it’s about raising resilient kids who can fall, get up and try again.

Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.

Video on the 3-second rule from Fit 4 Football: https://www.tiktok.com/@fit_4_football/video/7481195067567328534

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This week, Ben and Mike are joined by Frankie Hession-Harris, the mastermind behind Ballers Elite. In this episode, we hear about Frankie’s experience playing in the U.S. college system and how it shaped his approach and why he believes repetition, ball mastery, and 1v1s are the real building blocks of brilliance.

He explains why he stays quiet on the touchline, how mixed messages from coaches and parents can cloud young players' minds and how Ballers creates confident kids who play with flair and freedom.

We also get the lowdown on Frankie’s role as a Tottenham Hotspur scout for U7–U14s, including what really separates a grassroots player from an academy-level baller.

Frankie also gives his honest take on Alfie, Raph, and Fred—what they’re getting right, where they can grow, and how their journeys reflect the bigger picture of youth development. So sit back, relax and maybe, just maybe, learn how to keep your mouth shut on the sidelines.

Use the code IOKF20 at www.playgreatsoccer.com to receive 20% off. This offer is valid until May 31, 2025.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iokfootball

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X (Twitter): https://x.com/iokfootball

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iokfootball

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Email: itsonlykidsfootballpodcast@gmail.com

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