Roundtable: Alan White, Paul McNeill & Greig Paterson

On this episode of the Scottish Football Coaching Podcast, Heart of Midlothian Football Development Officer Alan White joined Scottish FA Head of Coach Education & Development, Greig Paterson and Head of Community and Development, Paul McNeil, for a roundtable discussion.

They focus on all things relevant to the grassroots game, with particular emphasis on how meaningful and vital this level of the sport is.

All three offer a unique perspective on the importance of the grassroots game through their work, but also through their roles as football parents – witnessing the sport through fresh eyes when it comes to what it means to participate.

They recall their own experiences with the grassroots game, from the influential people they met, the games they played, and why drills weren't necessarily the more important part of their time there.

Greig, Paul and Alan also speak about the challenges that their clubs, like many others, have faced in this past year.

Perhaps the most important element of the discussion was the emphasis placed on fun. It’s as simple as making the one hour a week the player gets on the football pitch as enjoyable as possible.

Host: Lewis Irons
Recorded: February 2021