The Coaching Manual Blog

Our blog showcases insightful and educational articles, guides and resources where we share our industry-leading coaching knowledge and expertise.

Nexus Reopens for 2027: Four Places for Our Next Cohort

Nexus reopens for 2027 with four places for existing TCM club customers. A 10-month programme from December 2026. Applications close 30 November.

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Principles of Play Explained for Grassroots Coaches

The principles of play in plain English: what each attacking and defending principle looks like at U10 and U15, plus free sessions to coach them.

A Manifesto for Football in 2026

Football is becoming predictable and controlled, and grassroots feels it first. Our 2026 manifesto, plus six things grassroots coaches can do about it now.

The Way of Defence: Taoism and the Art of Stillness

What Maldini, Baresi and Bobby Moore teach us about calm, anticipation and timing in defending, through Taoism, with practical ideas for coaching young defender…

Nexus: Where Philosophy, Methodology, and People Connect

Nexus is a full club system designed to maximise the potential of every stakeholder at a club

The Freedom to Choose
The Freedom to Choose: Helping Young Players Become Decision-Makers

Overcoaching produces compliant players, not decision-makers. How coaches and parents can give young footballers the freedom to choose, and the safety to fail.

PYSL Blast
Guardians of the Game: PYSL Blast Partners with The Coaching Manual to Strengthen Grassroots Soccer in San Diego

San Diego's volunteer-run PYSL Blast partners with The Coaching Manual to give its coaches a personalised curriculum, session plans and coach education.

Football Philosophy
Ubuntu and the Village Game: How Football Can Raise Better Children

"I am because we are." How the African philosophy of Ubuntu can help coaches, parents and clubs make youth football a place where children grow as people.

Goodbye Hysteria, Welcome Back Stoicism

Saving The Game: Goodbye Hysteria, Welcome Back Stoicism. A series exploring how parents, coaches, and players can protect football’s soul.

Empowering Youth: The Coaching Manual and Manchester United Foundation

Discover how The Coaching Manual and Manchester United Foundation collaborate to revolutionize coach education and player development.

Wrexham AFC Partnership
News | The Coaching Manual Partners with Wrexham AFC

Wrexham AFC partners with The Coaching Manual to support coaches across the Club and its Foundation, and to run Wrexham AFC Soccer Camps in Wales, Australia and…

"We've achieved gold status partly thanks to TCM" - How The Coaching Manual helps Valentine FC deliver their philosophy

Cas Wright, Technical Director at Valentine FC in New South Wales, on how The Coaching Manual helped the club build its 40-week curriculum and earn gold status.

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