Send us Fan Mail Who would be the parent of a young football player? Yep, fools like us. In this episode, we speak to Gordon MacLelland from Working With Parents in Sport (WWPIS). The organisation helps parents navigate an array of sports including football with some fantastic resources. CEO Gordon talks about what can be a long drive home after a match - why it matters, how it can go wrong, and what kids really need from us in those moments. We also talk about managing our own expectations a...
Sep 12, 2025
21 min
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, inspired by some of the themes explored in the Netflix drama Adolescence, we’re talking about online safety for young people with expert Social Jess. It’s a complex, minefield for many parents. From cyberbullying and online predators to the pressures of social media and digital footprints. Jess breaks down how to navigate digital spaces safely and discusses how to spot red flags. Plus we explore the grim and sad subject of sextortion, which commonly affects m...
Apr 9, 2025
32 min
Send us Fan Mail Hybrid - word meaning a mixture of two or more different things. Add football and you get footie slash table tennis, volleyball, squash and more. Hybrid football might be relatively new in the UK but pro football clubs are starting to adopt it too in their training. KickX Arena, the first of its kind in the UK, has opened in Surrey, just outside of London. Co-founder Vik Sharma talks about its many benefits for footballers. UPDATE: Sadly, KickX in Surrey has closed down...
Dec 13, 2024
18 min
Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it’s like being a football Academy mum? In this episode we speak to Cynthia, the mum of a Chelsea Academy scholar player. Cynthia talks in detail about the sacrifices she and the family have made plus explains a scholarship. Music by Mdundo Subscribe, follow us or email [email protected] with all your tips and questions.
Oct 30, 2023
31 min
Send us Fan Mail What do you do when your kid starts to show an interest in football? Where do you start? In this episode Sean Conlon, the Co-Founder of We Make Footballers (WMF) gives us his advice. WMF is one of the biggest coaching schools in the South East and it’s growing. Sean, who is also a Chelsea Academy scout, can reel out a list of professional footballers who started out with WMF which explains why he has so much knowledge. Sean also talks about what players (and parents) who want...
Jun 2, 2023
23 min
Send us Fan Mail Ever dread the car journey home after a thrashing? Yep. You’re not the only one. In this episode Sport Performance Psychologist Emily Hill-Smith, talks us through what we can do (or say) to and from a match whether it’s a win, lose or draw. LINKS OF INTEREST: Emily Hill-Smith [Tap In Performance] STAY IN TOUCH: Email: [email protected] Facebook @WeRaiseTheGameTwitter @Raise_The_GameInstagram @raising.the.gameMUSIC: Think Different by Scott Holme...
May 18, 2023
24 min
Send us Fan Mail Your child plays in a match and his or her team gets a 6-0 thrashing. In their mind, is that the worst thing that can happen? Or is it a step to learn from? In this episode Matt Shaw, Performance & Sports Psychologist from InnerDrive talks about how to turn those negative feelings of losing into positive steps for development. LINKS OF INTEREST: Matt Shaw [Twitter] InnerDrive [Free Guides & Resources for players, parents & schools] STAY IN TOUCH: E...
Dec 31, 2022
21 min
Send us Fan Mail A great coach once said, "Think of yourself as a Ferrari! It needs the best fuel to be fast and super powerful." Watching your kid play zapped of energy is no fun. So what can we do to help even if we’re stretched on time and money? Katie Barney is a Performance Nutritionist working at Ipswich Town FC and Birmingham City’s Women players. She talks about energy-boosting carbs, post-match snacks and our favourite, how to make your own Lucozade-type drink. LINKS OF INTERE...
Nov 28, 2022
12 min
Send us Fan Mail How much?! Are they made of gold? In the first episode we talk about the fundamentals of football boots. Coach Dan Edwards talks us through the different types and gives us his tips on how and where to save some money. Plus we talk about laces argghhhh! Is there a trick to tie-ing laces so they don’t come undone? LINKS OF INTEREST: Footy.com@DanEdwards9 on Instagram STAY IN TOUCH: Email: [email protected] Facebook @WeRaiseTheGameTwitter @Raise_The_GameInstag...
Nov 9, 2022
21 min
Send us Fan Mail Coming soon, Raising The Game with host Melanie Grant. We're about getting football mums united! Whether it's grassroots or Academy get tips, tricks and insider info to get the best for the footballer in your life. STAY IN TOUCH: Email: [email protected] Facebook @WeRaiseTheGame - https://www.facebook.com/WeRaiseTheGame/  ...
Nov 1, 2022
1 min