Karl Jones Q&A

QUICK FIRE 5:
1. Favourite team(s) supported: The mighty Watford FC

2. Favourite player past or present: Eric Cantona / Troy Deeney

3. Highlight(s) of your time with Maghull: Since joining Maghull over 5 years ago, there has been many highlights for me, both from minis and managing my own team, but I think the one that stands out is watching my lad George score his first ever league goal. As a manager and a dad, its was a very proud moment to see how far he had come, since starting in minis kickers when he was 3 and half years old.

4. Favourite drink: Grey Goose Vodka

5. Best advice given in Football: No matter the score at halftime, you start again at 0-0. Too many games are thrown away thinking the job is done or out of reach!

Q: What sort of player were you when playing competitively?
I know it is hard to believe looking at me now, but back in the day I use to be slim and fairly rapid, so I started off playing on the left wing. As the years went by, I moulded into a cultured left back. I played at a half decent standard in my younger years and loved a “good strong” tackle.

Q: You hold multiple roles at the club, can you begin by giving an overview of each?
As a Youth Committee member this allows me to be part of the bigger picture at the club and have input in to how we are looking to develop and move forward as a club.
Leading the Mini Kickers coaching it is my responsibility to make sure we have fun and engaging session plans sorted each week and enough coaches to support the children.
I am also currently the manager of Maghull Blue U9’s (21/22 season). These lads all came through from minis together and include my son George. We play on a Sunday in the Bootle JFL.

Q: Focussing on Mini Kickers, can you explain a little more what it is all about in terms of structure and key focus areas?
Mini kickers is all about having fun! At this young age we want the kids to be comfortable on the ball and we really focus a lot on “Ball Mastery”. This is something that has become imbedded in grassroots football over the past 5-10 years. Even though, as a parent looking on at one of our sessions you may think, what has this got to do with becoming better at football? But there is method to the madness!
All our sessions are based around the FA’s 4 corner model, so those games of “stuck in the mud” or “foxes & farmers” are working on the child’s movement, spacial awareness, teamwork and way of thinking.

• Psychological
• Social
• Physical
• Technical/Tactical

Q: How many children are coached in the Mini Kickers programme and where does it take place?
At present, we have between 30-50 children who regularly attend minis. We run 2 sessions 9:15-10:00 for nursery/reception (4 yrs. +) and then 10:15-11:15 for School years 1 & 2. All sessions are held at Maghull FC.

Q: How did you find yourself securing the role and what does it entail?
Well, when I first attended minis, it was purely to bring my son along to see if he wanted to have a go at playing football. Within a few weeks I had gone from helping the then lead coach (Paul Brownrigg) pack things away to helping him out with sessions. After a year or so Paul took a step back and handed the reins over to me, and here I am 3-4 years later still doing it with the help of some fantastic other Dads who also volunteer their time every weekend.

Q: You have overseen much of the progression within Maghull Mini Kickers over recent years. How has this developed to the extent where the club now has such high demand?
I think there are a few factors that have led to mini’s continual growth over the past few years. Unlike many kids’ football groups, we operate on a ‘pay as you go system’ instead of a monthly payment. We all know that some weekends the kids (and some parents) might not want to get out of bed, especially in the colder months. Obviously Covid has had a huge impact on all lives, so offering flexibility to dip in and out of sessions is a massive benefit for parents.
I always make sure that new parents are aware that our sessions are all about fun and getting the basics right first! I think there is too much pressure put on kids in grassroots football these days.
At mini’s we are all about focusing on the child being comfortable on the ball (Ball Mastery), and having fun whilst learning these skills. I think as a club this is something we are trying to endorse with all new teams coming through from minis.

Q: As our children progress through Mini Kickers to playing competitively in youth leagues, what would success look like for the club?
Over the past few years, we have managed to form 1x U5’s, 1x U6’s, 1x U7’s, 3x U8’s and 2x U9’s with all the kids coming from minis, which is amazing! Ideally we want to continue to get at least 1 new team formed every year.
I think for me, the perfect end goal would be to see the Maghull first team in say 10-15 years full of kids who started their journey with us at minis, and then carried on through the year groups until reaching the senior football age.

Q: What aspects of the role do you enjoy most?
For me, the best part has always been when you see the progression a child makes. We have kids who come to us, so shy and timid and it can take a few weeks before they start to engage in the full session, but that’s fine! I think as parents, we put to much pressure on the kids and expect them to be the same as everyone else and pick things up straight away, but it isn’t always the case.
Watching the kids develop is the most rewarding part of this role, and not just in their football skills, its how they progress with their social skills as well. The forming of friendships that will hopefully last for many years to come.

Q: Are there any challenges that come with entry level grassroots football?
The most important thing I’ve found over the years whilst managing minis and even my team, is that it is really important to get the parents buy in at the earliest point. Explain to them what you are trying to achieve and how you are going to do it. Kids all develop at different stages. Allowing the kids play and enjoy doing it without putting unnecessary pressure on them.

Q: What advice would you give to parents who may be considering setting up a team with support from the club?
Do it!!!!! I know it can look and sound like a daunting task, but the joy of watching a group of kids develop and progress is such a great feeling. It can be as simple as seeing something you have worked on in training being used in a game, or just seeing the smiles as they have fun playing in a team.
There are so many of us in coaching roles at the club that have been in the position of “parent becoming coach” and the feeling of getting a bit lost. However the club has a good structure to support our youth coaches, we are all here to help and give whatever support is needed.

Q: If parents would like to enquire about Mini Kickers availability, where should they go?
If anyone would like more information or to be added to the waiting lists please email Maghullfcminikickers@gmail.com. Please include your child’s name, date of birth, current school year and a parent’s contact details.

Q: You mentioned you also manage a youth team (Maghull FC Blue U9 – 21/22 season), what are your hopes for the new season ahead?
It’s a big year for the lads this year as we make the step up from 5 a side, to 7 a side which will be a big change for the lads. Longer games and more importantly much bigger pitches. I think every year I have the same hopes for the team, the lads continue to develop individually and as a team and they continue to have fun!
We have always said to the team it doesn’t matter if we win, lose or draw – as long as you have tried your best and have had fun that’s all that matters!