Edited by Carolyn Kent Women’s Football Hub
In this episode of the Women’s Football Hub Podcast, we sat down with UEFA A Licensed coach Andy Driscoll, a man who’s carved out a unique path in the world of football through graft and self-reflection.
Whether you’re coaching grassroots or aspiring to the pro ranks, Andy’s insights into the coaching journey, professional development, and how to actually make an impact in the women’s game are invaluable. Here’s what we learned from the conversation.
The Journey to UEFA A – More Than Just a Badge
Andy didn’t follow a traditional route into coaching. From playing non-league football to personal training and rehabilitation, his career has spanned several industries – all of which now inform his approach to football coaching.
Earning the UEFA A licence was a three-year journey, not a tick-box exercise. As Andy explains, “I didn’t want to be fast-tracked. I wanted to understand what I was doing and why. If it took me four years, so be it.”
That mindset – choosing depth over speed – is something many young coaches could learn from. And when it comes to the licence itself, he doesn’t sugar-coat it: “It’s a huge step up from UEFA B. It’s all about the detail – the quality of the session design, the transitions, the teaching points, and your ability to adapt in real time.”
The 3 Rs Coaching Framework: Reflection. Realism. Repeat.
Andy’s coaching philosophy isn’t built on slogans – it’s a practical framework developed over years of working with players, educators, and therapists. Here’s how it breaks down:
🪞 Reflection
Ask yourself the hard questions. Did your coaching session meet its objective? What went well? What didn’t? Reflection means looking back honestly, but also planning forward with purpose.
🎯 Realism
Is what you’re doing on the pitch realistic to the game? Are you preparing your players for what they’ll actually experience on match day – or are you setting them up with unrealistic drills and expectations? “If it’s not realistic, it’s probably not useful,” Andy says.
🔁 Repeat
Repetition without improvement is pointless. Andy challenges coaches to avoid doing the same things just because “that’s how it’s always been done”. It’s about reinforcing quality, not just quantity.
Teaching is Coaching (and Coaching is Teaching)
Andy is a firm believer that every coach should develop teaching skills. “Just because you’ve played football doesn’t mean you can coach,” he says. The ability to break down concepts, explain clearly, and adapt to different learning styles is fundamental to success at any level.
“Good coaches reflect in action. The best ones think like teachers.”
Supporting More Women into Coaching
While the football community often chants “we need more female coaches”, Andy argues the real goal should be better coaching – and that means removing barriers, providing support, and encouraging women who want to coach to start with confidence.
“Not every woman wants to coach, and that’s okay,” he says. “But those who do? We need to support them – not just with qualifications, but with mentors, safe spaces, and a belief in their potential.”
He also challenges the outdated view that you must have played the game at a high level to coach it. “Knowledge and the ability to communicate that knowledge – that’s what matters.”
Practical Tips for Grassroots Coaches
If you’re coaching U12s or juggling cones on a soggy pitch on a Tuesday night, here are Andy’s top takeaways:
✅ Plan your sessions – structure improves outcomes
✅ Reflect honestly on what’s working
✅ Adapt based on your players’ actual needs
✅ Make your sessions realistic to match conditions
✅ Mentor someone, and find a mentor for yourself
✅ Create an environment where questions are encouraged
Final Word
Andy Driscoll doesn’t claim to have all the answers – but what he offers is real-world experience, humility, and a deep respect for the craft of coaching. Whether you’re just starting out or have been doing it for years, there’s something valuable in remembering that coaching isn’t just about shouting from the sidelines. It’s about thinking, listening, and teaching with purpose.
“I’m less rubbish than when I started – and that’s the point. We all need to keep improving.”
🔗 Missed the episode? Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite app.
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📢 Let us know: What are your 3 Rs? Share your thoughts on social media using #WomensFootballHub
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