About Graham Jenner

How this started

When my son first got involved in youth football, I quickly realised how little straightforward information was out there for parents. Everything felt either overly technical, written for coaches rather than families, or buried inside Facebook groups where the same questions got asked repeatedly.

As my son loved football and begun to get better I started to wonder whether I should push him to a higher level. He began attending a development centre, I genuinely didn't know what to expect. What would sessions involve? What were the coaches looking for? What happened next if things went well - or if they didn't? But over time it has also helped me reflect on how I can support him and keep football enjoyable for him, whatever level he plays at.

That gap was the starting point for Football Parent.

My background

I'm not a former professional footballer. I've never worked for an academy and I've never been a scout. I'm a football parent who has spent years asking the same questions you might have now.

My son attended Crystal Palace's Development Centre, as well as both Chelsea's Player Training Centre and their Player Development Centre. Each environment was different, with its own expectations, culture and impact on him.

Alongside being a parent, I've also coached. I took my son's grassroots team from under-6s and found it one of the most rewarding and challenging things I've done. Having coached youth football before having children, nothing quite prepares you for the difference, emotionally, coaching your own child's team. I also hold an FA Level 2 coaching qualification from my time coaching before becoming a parent coach.

What I write about

Football Parent is focused on the journey that football families go through, the parts that are not always explained clearly.

• Football academies and how they work
• Development centres and what parents should expect
• Academy trials and how to approach them
• Player development and long-term progress
• Girls' football pathways
• Football parenting, expectations and enjoyment

My editorial approach

I don't claim to have insider knowledge of how academies make their decisions. I'm not positioned inside the professional game and I don't pretend to be.

What I do have is first-hand experience, a willingness to research carefully, and a commitment to being honest about what I know and what I don't. Where possible, I use interviews with experts to help give you further guidance and knowledge from those who work in the game. I also make sure to link to official sources so you can read for yourself.

Who I'm writing for

I'm not here to sell coaching programmes or tell you your child is destined for greatness. I'm here to help you understand the system, avoid mistakes i've made and make informed decisions. Ultimately, I want to help you keep football enjoyable for your family - whatever level your child plays at.

Graham