The Coaching Journey

The Coaching Journey – Simple Wisdom for Grassroots Football

By Gary Piggott

Most grassroots coaches are thrown in at the deep end.

Little preparation.

Limited support.

Lots of pressure.

This book is written to change that.

Whether you’re a new volunteer, a developing coach, or someone who wants more clarity and confidence on the pitch, The Coaching Journey – Simple Wisdom for Grassroots Football gives you the guidance you’ve been missing.

Drawing on over 30 years of coaching and more than 20 years supporting coaches, Gary Piggott shares practical, human-focused wisdom that helps children grow — as players and as people.

This is not a book about perfect drills or elite-level tactics.

It’s about coaching with clarity, calmness and care.

Inside You’ll Discover:

• How to build confidence in young players

• How to create an enjoyable, positive environment

• What children really want from a coach

• When to step in — and when to step back

• The importance of mistakes and emotional support

• How to work with parents, not against them

• Why simple sessions often work best

• How to develop decision-makers rather than followers

• The Four Corner Model explained in a clear, practical way

• How to understand the whole child — not just their ability

Practical Tools Included

• Session planning templates

• Observation and intervention tools

• Matchday guidance

• Player ownership ideas

• A set of adaptable practices designed for any age or ability

(These practices are age-neutral and flexible — coaches can easily tailor them to the needs of their players.)

Who This Book Is For

• New and developing grassroots coaches

• Volunteers stepping into coaching for the first time

• Parents wanting to support their child’s team• Coaches who want simplicity instead of overwhelm

• Anyone who believes football should be enjoyable, inclusive and player-centred

Why This Book Matters

Children remember how a coach made them feel long after the season ends.

This book helps you become the calm, confident, supportive coach every child deserves.

Whether you’re coaching five-year-olds or teenagers, beginners or experienced players, this is your companion for creating better sessions, better environments and better experiences.