Tom Byer’s Football Starts at Home [UK]

by Tom Byer, Fred Varcoe

I've known Tom Byer for 25 years and over those years we've talked a lot of football. In that time, he's focused his coaching skills on children and reached the point where he is, without any doubt, one of the world's leading thinkers on teaching children the technical skills of football. This book should be bought by every parent in Britain, Canada and the United States – countries where I've had involvement with football – and beyond to understand what a child who likes football can learn and how they can learn. It's not a textbook; it's a guide. It's a philosophy that is so basic and so true it's just amazing that it's taking so long to be recognized. Many people in football still don't get it.
I've been involved in football as a player and coach for over 40 years, so trust me when I tell you that this book is gold dust for your kids.

Paul Mariner
Ex-England international (35 caps)
UEFA Cup winner (1981)
F.A. Cup winner (1978)

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2016

Reviews

[Poncheezied · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive and light on practical steps

While I agree with the authors basic premise, he massively pads out the book making the same point over and again. He also oversimplifies some complex footballing problems going back to his singular premise as a cure all.


The actual practical instruction is limited to 2 pages on my kindle. Should be some illustrations or links to videos as he's assuming that non footballing parents could interpret them. Yes they are simple but I'm sure my wife would need a bit more clarity.

Overall the advice is ok but there is too much repetition and not enough substance. Byers says he is aiming his book at parents but there is very little chance that a "soccer mom" would have the time or patience to complete this book. I'm in love with football and I want to enable my son to enjoy his football but I struggled through this.