To kick off the first episode of season 4, we’re joined by Clare Daniels & Pete Sturgess to discuss the Play Phase and their advice for how all adults can play a positive role in creating the best environment for players.

Clare & Pete give us the low-down on what exactly the Play Phase is and how it came about. The Play Phase is more than just a phase, it’s a philosophy, and we learn how the power of play can help children to build skills for life, not just for football. We also learn about the role of the ‘captains of play’ of the Play Phase and what their role is.

We get insight into the role of parents and carers in the Play Phase. The Play Phase doesn’t always look like football, and it’s essential to communicate the benefits of the philosophy with parents and carers. Clare & Pete share tips for how captains of play can get parents and carers on board, and how parents and carers can support their children before, during and after a Play Phase session.

Covered in this episode:

• What is the Play Phase? 
• The outcomes that the Play Phase sets out to achieve for players. 
• Why it doesn’t matter that the Play Phase doesn’t always look like football.
• Why are coaches in the Play Phase referred to as ‘captains of play’?
• Why assessing children by how many goals they've scored shouldn’t be the main focus. 
• How to get parents on board with the Play Phase philosophy. 
• What questions should parents and carers be asking coaches and captains of play? 
• If parents or carers dissagree with a coach how should they approach it?
• The benefits of parents/carers and coaches working together. 

More information on Play Phase will be available in September 2023.