Football DNA Podcast

Our guest on the podcast this month is Amy Kay. Amy is a well established and respected figure in Youth Development, currently working as the Lead Foundation Phase Coach at Brighton & Hove Albion Academy. Following an impactful career as captain and Academy Lead at Lincoln City, Amy joined Brighton in 2024.
Renowned for her high-energy leadership and exceptional ability to connect with young players, she joins the show to discuss her journey, how to coach effectively across age groups in the Foundation Phase as well as the main theme of the episode, the value in varying game formats for players of all ages and how this can benefit their learning and long-term development.
Check out Football DNA today for hundreds of live and animated practices and sessions, analysis articles, coach education courses as well as our brand new 3v3 curriculum, ready for U7s in the 2026-27 season, and much more.

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.

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.

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/

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.