You’ve probably seen them pacing the sidelines, barking “motivational” phrases that seem to come from an alternate reality, or offering unsolicited tips to the coach between sips of overpriced coffee. Let’s take a tongue and cheek, light-hearted look at this beloved (and sometimes bewildering) character of the grassroots football community.

The Sideline Strategist

If there’s one thing The Parent Who Knows Everything loves, it’s giving “helpful” advice to the coach. No, they’re not qualified to coach, said no when asked to coach, nor have they ever actually played football above the level of a friendly kickabout at a family BBQ—but they know exactly how the game should be run. Their favourite moment comes at halftime when they approach the coach with a strategy so complex it could only be conceived after watching three back-to-back episodes of Match of the Day.

“Why don’t we switch to a 4-3-3 formation?” (even when we are U9s and only play 7 aside) as if the entire team has been playing an entirely different formation for the last five months with zero success. “The 4-3-3 worked wonders for Klopp, surely it’ll work for a bunch of nine-year-olds trying to figure out how to do a one two for the first time.”

This parent has a passion for football theory. They’ll give you a detailed analysis of their favourite formation, even if the kids barely understand the concept of offside. And don’t even get them started on substitutions. They know exactl who should be benched and why, and aren’t afraid to roll there eyes, and mutter quietly under their breath. Of course when their child isn’t starting we all know they have a entitled right to demand answers and a detailed analysis as to why this could possibly have happened.

The Social Media Warrior

Not content with merely dominating the sidelines, this parent will take to social media to share their child’s “undeniable genius” with the world. Photos of Timmy’s “superb” tackle (which was, in reality, a trip that just so happened to send the ball away from the other kid’s feet) will be posted with captions like: “Unstoppable on the pitch! #FutureStar #TheNextRashford”.

Every victory—no matter how small—is a triumph to be shared. The coach, naturally, gets a tagged shout-out for being “instrumental in Timmy’s development,” despite not having anything to do with the fact that Timmy just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

And heaven forbid there’s a loss. If the team doesn’t win, you can expect a carefully worded post about how “our boys fought hard, but we really need to work on fitness” or “the referee missed some key decisions.” If nothing else, The Parent Who Knows Everything is a walking, talking analysis machine.

The Referee Expert

If you ever thought you understood the rules of football, The Parent Who Knows Everything will quickly show you how much you still have to learn. This parent’s deep understanding of the laws of football is unmatched. They know, without a doubt, that the referee missed that “clear” handball—never mind the fact that the ball was moving at the speed of light and might have been 10 yards away from the player.

“You see, the ref’s mistake there was a classic misinterpretation of the ‘interpretive’ handball rule,” they’ll explain to anyone who’s listening, usually the other parents who are pretending to enjoy their snack while trying to avoid eye contact. “Clearly, Timmy’s opponent was going for the ball with intent, and that’s a foul. Everyone knows that!”

At the same time, they’ll never forget to point out the “questionable” decisions that only seem to happen when their kid is on the receiving end. Of course, no one’s questioning the refereeing when their own child is involved—but that’s irrelevant. “How could he have missed that blatant foul?” they ask, with an expression that suggests they’ve been personally wronged.

The Master of “Motivational” Talks

At the end of the match, when the dust has settled, there’s always that moment when The Parent Who Knows Everything gathers any parents who will listen to let them know what the coach has done wrong or if the coach has done something right how it was inspired by something they had “suggested”.

At the end of the day, the Parent Who Knows Everything is a key part of the grassroots football experience. They bring their energy, their opinions, and a healthy dose of exaggeration to the game. While their insights might not always be as accurate as they think, they’re always passionate, and that’s something we can all appreciate.

So, the next time you hear a sideline strategist shouting about formations, or a social media warrior posting about a “clutch” goal, remember: they’re just one of the many characters that make grassroots football so wonderfully chaotic—and without them, it just wouldn’t be the same!

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The Case for Equal Game Time

One of the fundamental principles of grassroots football is inclusivity. The goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the game, regardless of their skill level. In this context, some argue that all players should receive equal amounts of game time to promote fairness and equal development opportunities.

For less-developed players, limited game time—such as 5 minutes per game—can feel discouraging. These children often struggle to make an impact on the field during such brief intervals, which can affect their confidence and self-esteem. Football, like many sports, requires time and experience to develop skills like ball control, passing accuracy, and spatial awareness. When players are given only a few minutes of play, they may feel sidelined, leading to frustration and a diminished love for the sport. For a child who is still learning the basics of football, having more consistent playing time can be crucial for building their confidence and fostering a greater connection to the game.

Furthermore, equal game time ensures that every player is treated fairly. In team sports, where a coach’s decisions often influence the development of the players, it’s important that each child has the same opportunity to improve. If more-developed players consistently receive the majority of game time, the less-developed players may not have enough opportunities to improve their skills. Fair and equal playing time, regardless of skill level, ensures that no player is left behind.

In the long run, equal game time can also help create a team atmosphere based on fairness and camaraderie. When all players feel they have an equal stake in the match, they are more likely to support one another and encourage team cohesion. In contrast, when certain players are favored for longer periods of play, it may foster resentment and division within the group, which can negatively impact both individual and team morale.

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Football, at any level, is a competitive sport. While grassroots football focuses on enjoyment and learning, it still introduces children to the idea of competition, teamwork, and self-improvement. From this perspective, as players grow older there are valid arguments for allowing players to earn their game time based on their skill level and development.

For less-developed players, shorter intermittent spells in a game can be used as a way to manage players who are still learning basic skills or struggling to keep up with the flow of the game. Coaches can then concentrate on giving these players specific developmental guidance3 or 4 times during the same game rather than just at half time, helping them improve over time. The shorter intervals may also provide an opportunity for the coach to provide focused, constructive feedback during the game time, which can be vital in helping players improve.

But is 5 minutes enough?

Despite the arguments for skill-based allocation of playing time, the core issue remains whether 5 minutes per game is truly enough to develop as a player, particularly for those who are less developed. Football is a complex game that requires technical, tactical, and physical skills. While short game periods may offer moments of individual learning, they are unlikely to provide enough time for players to truly immerse themselves in the demands of the game.

Development in football requires repeated exposure to match situations, which enables players to build their decision-making skills, understand team dynamics, and improve their fitness. A brief 5-minute period may not allow players enough time to grasp these concepts. Instead, it might only reinforce basic skills, such as running, dribbling, or passing in isolation. In this way, a player who only gets 5 minutes of play in every match may struggle to develop a deeper understanding of football.

For children who are still learning the fundamentals of the game, longer periods of play are essential. These extended sessions allow players to experience both the physical and mental demands of football, providing the context needed to grow as an athlete. Without enough game time, players may not have the chance to see their mistakes in action or adapt to the flow of the game, making it harder to develop their skills fully.

Striking a Balance

The key to fostering development in grassroots football lies in finding the right balance. While shorter game times might be appropriate for younger children or players who are still learning the basics, it is crucial to ensure that all players receive enough time on the field to grow. Development-based allocation of game time, where players who have earned more experience are given more minutes, should not come at the cost of less-developed players. Coaches should aim to create a system that allows players to gradually build up their match experience, while also providing opportunities for less-experienced players to grow and learn.

Coaches could also consider incorporating additional training sessions as “home work” and match based drills at training to complement the match experience, allowing all players, regardless of their skill level, to develop at a pace suited to their abilities.

In reality, my final thoughts are 5 minutes per game is unlikley to be enough game time for a player to fully develop, especially for those who are less experienced. While shorter intermittent periods of roll on roll off style game time can benefit less-developed players by offering frequent/multi opportunities for participation with added coach support, they may lack the depth required for true development. Ensuring fairness in game time allocation is crucial, but it’s equally important to allow players the opportunity to grow and learn in a way that matches their level of ability. By finding a balance between equal participation and development-based game time, coaches can create an environment that fosters growth for every player, helping them build their skills, confidence, and love for the game.

Paul Kirton

Teamgrassroots

What is ADHD? 

Adapt sessions with the STEP framework (Youth Sports Trust, 2002). Space: keep the playing area familiar by using existing pitch markings – don’t use too many cones. Task: change up games and activities to reduce boredom. Equipment: use a whiteboard to show the activity and consider providing sensory toys such as fidget spinners in a safe space to help players regulate their emotions. Players: use small-sided games to keep players moving and engaged.

Here are five top tips to help you support players who have ADHD:

• Have a set space for arrival activities to get players active as soon as they arrive at the session.
• Give them individualised attention where possible. Most players with ADHD respond well to individual encouragement.
• Mix up the tasks to avoid boredom and keep the players active.
• Check with parents, carers and the player about what works best for them and what they enjoy.
• Manage excitement and anxiety. Allow for a time out to let the player refocus their attention.

More resources 

If you haven’t already, download this PDF for more information on how to support players with ADHD. It’s a handy resource to take with you to training.

And if you want to find out more about ADHD or disability football, check out these useful links:

• ADHD Foundation website
• Coaching People with ADHD Guidance (UK Coaching)
• A coach’s guide to ADHD
• England Football: Disability Section
• Disability Football Introduction Course.

The module will enable you to recognise and respond appropriately to a sudden cardiac arrest while also providing you with key facts and information.

Available online, you can complete it at a convenient time and place. Plus, it only takes one hour!

Upon completion, you’ll receive one hour of CPD and an FA certificate.

Research shows that 12 young people lose a life each week in the UK and those with an inherited heart condition can be up to three times as likely to suffer a sudden cardiac arrest if they participate in intensive or strenuous exercise.

Dr Lisa Hodgson, The FA’s medical education lead, said: “The FA is passionate about raising the awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and highlighting the fact that this can occur in what appears to essentially be, from the outside, a fit and healthy young person playing sport.

“Sudden cardiac arrest is infrequent but it is not a rare event.

“The more awareness we can raise on this issue, the greater is the chance of early recognition and lifesaving intervention being performed.

“We would like as many people as possible to complete this module and to share it among their peers.

“Everyone should be taught these lifesaving skills in all walks of life, not just in sport and we hope that this module helps to do just that.”

COMPLETE THE MODULE