In this episode, we’re joined by FA youth coach developer, Phil Shead. Phil looks after five northeast-based clubs and brings with him plenty of top tips for coaches. He shares with us his journey so far and how he got to the position he’s in today.

We speak in depth about the transformational power of a people-focused approach to coaching over a more task-focused one. Phil speaks about the benefits that he’s seen first-hand after he began focusing more on developing individuals. He shares advice on how coaches can think more ‘people first’ and how to support individual player development while working with a team.

Phil also gives his insight into session design. We learn how coaches can use STEP to design sessions that allow their players to get better and how coaches can tell when it’s the right time to alter their session. Phil also explains the practice spectrum and how can it help player development. And we speak about small-sided games and how they can benefit players.

Covered in this episode:

• Phil’s first experiences with football.
• How to help children become more comfortable in new environments.
• His experience in grassroots and academy settings.
• The key skills and attributes that make transformational coaches and effective players.
• The power of ‘people-first’ coaching over a more task-focused approach.
• What is the practice spectrum and how can it help player development?
• How to support individual player development while working with a team.
• Using STEP to design sessions that empower players to get better.
• The benefits of small-sided games.
• Top tips for working with primary-aged players.