In this episode, we’re joined by Darren Grover, FA PE officer for London and the South. Darren’s role has him supporting teachers and coaches in delivering high-quality education. We find out how Darren got started in football, and how he made it to his position today, as well as getting his valuable insights into a range of topics to help coaches and teachers better support players.

Darren shares with us the advice that he would give his younger self just starting out in coaching. We speak about the importance of allowing players, as well as coaches and teachers, to make mistakes so that they can learn from them.

We also speak about the environment - what a good one looks like and how to create one. Parents have a role in helping create the right environment for young players, too, and Darren gives insights into how to foster a good relationship with players’ families.

Darren also shares with us actionable tips on how to keep players engaged in sessions and the signs to look out for that tell when a player is disengaged. We also ask Darren his thoughts on how to meet the needs of every player when working with groups, and on integrating new players.

Finally, Darren shares with us his session idea and three top tips for teachers and coaches to have a positive impact on a player's journey.

Covered in this episode:

• Making mistakes and why it’s not such a bad thing.
• The key attributes and skills that make a transformational coach or teacher.
• How much does football knowledge play in someone’s ability to coach?
• What a good playing environment looks like and how to create one.
• How to foster a good relationship with the player’s families.
• How to keep players engaged in sessions.
• How to meet the needs of every player in a group.
• Top tips for coaches and teachers to positively impact a player’s journey.