Football DNA Podcast

Football Coaching: The Value Of The 3 v 3 Game 09.06.2026 46min

Mike Melvin is the Founder and Managing Director of 3v3 UK, one of the leading organisations driving the growth of small-sided football across the UK. Through his work with clubs, leagues, County FAs, the Premier League, and The FA, Mike has helped introduce thousands of young players to the benefits of the 3v3 format.Over the past decade, he has organised major grassroots and academy events, delivered player development programmes, and played a key role in the growth of 3v3 football both nationally and internationally. His work has contributed to the increasing recognition of 3v3 as an effective way to develop technical ability, decision-making, creativity, and enjoyment in young players.In this episode, Mike shares the story behind 3v3 UK, explains why small-sided football is transforming youth player development, and discusses the future of grassroots football as The FA prepares to introduce 3v3 as the mandatory format for U7s. Expect practical insights, real-world experiences, and plenty of discussion around creating better environments for young players to learn and thrive.

Football Coaching: Tournament Football In Youth Player Development 21.05.2026 43min

Trophies are great, but individual development is the real prize. In this episode, we welcome special guest Ross O'Kane, former Foundation Phase Lead at Luton Town FC Academy, to break down the strategic value of tournament football in youth player development. Drawing from his extensive experience in the elite academy space, Ross shares how coaches can navigate pressure, fatigue, and rapid tactical shifts to transform weekend tournaments into massive growth opportunities for young players.

Football Coaching: The Value Of Sports Pyschology In Grassroots Football 13.04.2026 52min

In this episode we are joined by sport psychologist Sarah Murray to discuss The Value Of Sports Pyschology In Grassroots Football.Sarah has over a decade of experience working in professional sport, education and business. 9 years of which include a full time role overseeing performance psychology at a premier league football club. Sarah has a passion for working with people, hence she can be found with elite and non elite teams, athletes, coaches and across sport, education and business to enhance human performance and develop understanding of what a healthy high performance cultures look and feel like.For more info and to contact Sarah: https://www.performance-edge.org/

Football Coaching: Keeping Football Fun with Jonny Martin 09.03.2026 41min

In this episode of the Football DNA podcast we speak with Co-Founder & Director of the Football Fun Factory Jonny Martin. Jonny is a UEFA A Licensed Coach and previously worked at Cambridge United Academy for 9 years. He now is on a mission to support young people across the country. The Football Fun Factory was created to provide incredible childhood football experiences, for boys and girls of all ages and ability levels, eliminating barriers to opportunity. We use the nation’s passion for football as a vehicle for child development, delivering truly unique experiences to make memories that last a lifetime.

Football Coaching: How To Become A More Effective Coach, Quickly 05.01.2026 47min

In the first episode of 2026, we are joined by David & Keith Mayer to discuss How To Become A More Effective Coach, Quickly. Insights are taken from the book they both published as co-authors. Keith has an extensive coaching background around the world and for the last decade with Liverpool FC Academy. David has also coached around the world as a UEFA A Licenced Coach, currently at Utah Red Wolves Academy. For even more insights, check out their book Gold Dust: How to Become a More Effective Coach, Quickly, available on Amazon and major bookshops.

Football Coaching: Ross Embleton Podcast Talent ID & Recruitment In Grassroots Football 17.11.2025 47min

In the ninth episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by Ross Embleton to discuss Talent ID & Recruitment In Grassroots FootballRoss is a highly respected English football coach, currently serving as Academy Head of Recruitment at West Ham United. With a background in youth development at clubs like Tottenham and Norwich, he is best known for his time at Leyton Orient, where he held roles including Head Coach and helped lead the club through a period of transition.

Football Coaching: How To Be An Effective Grassroots Goalkeeping Coach 13.10.2025 43min

In the eighth episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by Ben Bradford to discuss grassroots goalkeeper coaching.Ben Bradford is an experienced and sought-after goalkeeping coach, who is a former academy Goalkeeping Coach for West Ham United Football Club. He has numerous qualifications, including FA Level 2 goalkeeper, FA Level 1 in Talent Identification, and FA Emergency First Aid. His coaching philosophy prioritises attacking-minded play with both feet and developing his goalkeepers' organisational skills and positive attitude. Ben was also the former Essex Regional Goalkeeping Scout for Cambridge United.Under Ben's guidance, many of his students have signed for professional football clubs, such as Man Xity, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Ipswich Town, Cambridge United, Southend United, Colchester United, West Ham United United and Milwall.

Football Coaching: Individual Skill Development 10.09.2025 49min

In the seventh episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by Paul McGuinness to discuss Individual Skill DevelopmentPaul McGuinness spent 24 years at Manchester United, where he served as Head Coach of the Professional Development Phase. During his time at the club, he played a pivotal role in the development of players such as Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck, and Axel Tuanzebe, among many others.As coach of United’s U18s, Paul guided the team to FA Youth Cup glory in 2011, overseeing a squad brimming with future stars, including Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, and Ravel Morrison.After departing Manchester United in 2016, Paul spent four years as a National Coach Developer with The Football Association, helping to shape the next generation of coaches across the country. In 2021, he joined Leicester City’s academy as Head of Player Development, a role he held until September 2022.Paul now works as a consultant, providing mentorship to both players and coaches, and delivering coaching demonstrations and presentations across the football landscape.

Football Coaching: Being An Effective Grassroots Football Coach With Chris Ramsey 01.08.2025 53min

In the sixth episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by Chris Ramsey to discuss being an effective grassroots football coach. Chris Ramsey MBE is a highly respected football coach and coach educator with decades of experience developing elite players and coaches. A former professional defender, he played for clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion and Swindon Town. He coached England’s youth teams and held senior development roles at Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers. Known for championing diversity in football, Ramsey has mentored countless players and coaches, helping shape modern youth development in England. Awarded an MBE in 2019, he now plays a leading role in the national coaching structure, focusing on the progression of England’s 18s to 20s age groups.

Football Coaching: Coach To Coach Developer 23.06.2025 45min

In the fifth episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by James Barlow to discuss the role of coach development. James is currently Head Of Coaching at Portsmouth FC, is a UEFA A Licensed Coach & has The FA’s Advanced Youth Award.

Football Coaching: Managing Behaviour In Youth Football Coaching 12.05.2025 45min

In the fourth episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by Merfyn Roberts to discuss Managing Behaviour In Youth Football Coaching.Merfyn is an education consultant, specialising in behaviour management and applied learning, and has been an FA tutor for a number of years. His latest role at St George’s Park has been as the lead tutor for the Social Corner on the Advanced Youth Award.

Football Coaching: The Value Of Specialist Coaching With Pete Sturgess 31.03.2025 45min

In the third episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by Pete Sturgess. Pete is synonymous with Grassroots football development within England, in particular his focus on supporting junior coaches to provide enjoyable and inspiring football experiences.He has committed his whole career to improving the coaching of our youngest players. A former teacher and academy assistant director, Peter worked at the English FA as Technical Lead for the 5–11s age group (Foundation Phase).During his 17 years at the FA Peter was also privileged to be the Head coach of the England Futsal squad for 8 years leading them successfully into FIFA and UEFA competitions and today continues to influence the technical and tactical proficiency of the next generation as a FIFA Futsal Instructor.

Football Coaching: Bridging The Coaching Gap From Youth To Adults 19.02.2025 42min

In the second episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by Steve Sallis. He supports 20 Premier League and Football League Players with mental conditioning support. Steve delivers Leadership Seminars on the UEFA Pro and A’ Licence for the Scottish Football Association. He is the author of "Educating Football" which has received national and international press coverage, which includes interviews on the iconic ‘High Performance Podcast’ (12 Million Downloads), BBC Radio 5 Live, Talk Sport, The Daily Mail podcast and Love Sport Radio. Steve has featured on a Netflix documentary which entailed supporting world class athletes in need of cognitive and technical performance support.

Football Coaching: The Challenges Of Coaching In A Different Country 16.01.2025 39min

In the first episode of 2025 our host Paul Barry is joined by Connor Horrocks. Connor is a British national who moved to Spain as a young child and developed a love for coaching. As an UEFA A Licensed Coach he challenged himself further by now coaching in South Korea.

Football Coaching: The Value Of Throw Ins In Youth Football 09.12.2024 38min

In the tenth episode of 2024 our host Paul Barry is joined by Thomas Gronnemark. Thomas has made a career in coaching throw ins for professional clubs including Liverpool FC under Jurgen Klopp! Here we dive into the topic of throw ins especially in the youth phases of the game.

Football Coaching: From Grassroots Coach To Academy Coach "The Journey" 23.10.2024 33min

In the ninth episode of 2024 our host Paul Barry is joined by Temisan Williams. Temisan has experience coaching at 3 different premier league clubs and has completed the route of starting in grassroots to academy football.

Football Coaching: Planning Effective Coaching Sessions 05.09.2024 23min

In the eighth episode of 2024 our host Ross Brooks is joined by Shamus Beaglehole - YDP Coach at Leicester City. Take a listen to get some knowledge on how to plan your coaching sessions.

Football Coaching - How To Coach On Match Day 25.07.2024 28min

In the seventh episode of 2024 our host Ross Brooks is joined by Nathan Thomas - Head Of Coaching U13 - U16 at Crystal Palace. Take a listen to get some knowledge on how to manage players on a match day.

Football Coaching - Coaching Mixed Abilities 03.06.2024 26min

In the sixth episode of 2024 our host Ross Brooks is joined by Elliot Head - Head Of Foundation Phase (AFC Bournemouth). Take a listen to get some knowledge on how to manage this challenge in coaching.

Football Coaching - How Can Coaches Have Positive Relationships With Parents 24.04.2024 18min

In the fifth episode of 2024 our host Ross Brooks is joined by experienced coach Matt Dunn (Brighton & Hove Albion). Take a listen to get some top insights into creating and managing relationships with parents.