With the season winding down, it’s a perfect time to start planning for the next one.
The end of a season gives coaches a chance to reset. But preparation for the next season shouldn’t wait until it’s just around the corner.
That’s why, in our final episode of the season, we’re joined by FA regional manager, Zahid Patel, to share how coaches can prepare effectively for the season ahead. Zahid picked up a wide range of experience across grassroots football, coaching camps, and delivering tournaments before joining The FA. He offers practical advice to help you reflect and set clear goals.
From measuring success beyond results to revisiting your code of conduct and getting buy-in from players, this conversation will help you approach the new season with clarity.
Whichever age and stage you’re coaching, Zahid shares insights that will help you set the tone and create the right environment from day one.
In this episode, we cover:
- the top three things every coach should do before a new season
- what good reflection looks like
- why gathering feedback from players, parents and peers is essential
- how playing multiple positions can support development
- how preparation differs across age groups
- measuring success beyond wins and losses
- revisiting your code of conduct and the secret to gaining buy-in from players and parents
- Zahid’s three key elements of an effective code of conduct
- when to start planning for the next season
- and more…
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Do you have any coaching questions you’d like answers to? Or perhaps you’re facing a coaching challenge that you’d like help with? Simply head over to our England Football Community forum (https://community.thefa.com/coaching/f/youth-club-football-forum) and post them there. Or leave them in the comments below. We can then put them to our guests in future episodes to get their advice!
Already listened to this episode or the previous seasons of Coachcast? We’d love to hear from you! Pass on your feedback by contacting us via Coachcast@thefa.com.
LEARN MORE
England Football Learning - https://learn.englandfootball.com/
England Football Community - https://community.thefa.com/
England Football Learning on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCisPO86aEIhWRTnTS1vrSVw
England Football Learning X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/EnglandLearning
Email - Coachcast@thefa.com
LISTEN
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4sA9fHoldaH1x5Wn3vdmsB
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coachcast/id159180480
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@EnglandFootballLearning
Editing and show notes by Claricast.(https://www.clarioncast.com/)
