In this episode, Stuart sits down with Coach Joe Quigley — a highly respected youth development coach known for his work with at Super Soccer Stars and Football Fun Factory as well as UK Elite delivers his powerful message about putting kids first in sport. ⚽

Joe has become a leading voice on redefining what great coaching looks like: creating environments where children play freely, feel supported, and fall in love with the game long before tactics and systems ever enter the picture.

This conversation breaks down why fun, engagement, and joy are the real foundations of long-term player development — and why so many coaches unintentionally get this wrong. From designing play-based training sessions to understanding what kids actually want from sport, Joe shares insights every coach, parent, and club leader needs to hear.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Why “fun first” is essential in youth soccer

✅ The biggest mistakes coaches make with young players

✅ Play-based training and why it works

✅ How enjoyment accelerates learning and development

✅ Why kids stay in sport (and why they quit)

✅ Building environments where players feel valued as people

✅ The role of friendship, freedom, and creativity in sport

✅ How coaches can reshape the player experience

Whether you coach a grassroots U8 team or an elite academy group, this episode offers a powerful reminder: kids don’t show up to be coached — they show up to play.

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