THE FRENCH TOUCHÉ · FREE KNOWLEDGE
Free Game.
Coaching tips, performance insights and development knowledge from Chrys Mawete and The French Touché. No paywall. No watered-down advice. Just the real work.
TECHNIQUE · MINDSET · DEVELOPMENT · FOR PARENTS · NUTRITION
FEATURED · DEVELOPMENT · 5 MIN READ
Why Your Child Isn’t Improving — And It’s Not About Talent
Most grassroots players train hard and still plateau. The problem is never effort. It’s the absence of structure, accountability and a system that connects one session to the next. Here’s what changes when you build a programme instead of just turning up.
WRITTEN BY
Chrys Mawete
Founder & Head of Performance
PUBLISHED
April 2026
LATEST
From the training ground
Short, practical reads for players, parents and coaches.
01 · TECHNIQUE · APR 2026
The First Touch is a Decision — Not a Reflex
Elite players don’t react to the ball — they anticipate it. How we train decision-making before the ball arrives, and why it separates academy players from the rest.
02 · MINDSET · APR 2026
Consistency Isn’t Motivation. It’s Architecture.
Motivation gets you to the session. Architecture gets you through the season. How to build the habits and standards that make performance automatic — not occasional.
03 · DEVELOPMENT · MAR 2026
What Academy Scouts Actually Look For at U12
It’s not pace. It’s not goals. Scouts at U12 watch for coachability, spatial awareness and how a player responds to pressure. Here’s what to develop.
04 · TECHNIQUE · MAR 2026
The 3-Cone Drill That Fixes Weak Foot Problems
Weak-foot avoidance is one of the most common plateaus in grassroots development. This drill makes the weak foot the only option — and it works.
05 · FOR PARENTS · MAR 2026
What to Say to Your Child After a Bad Game
The car journey home after a poor performance is one of the most important moments in a young player’s development. A better approach for parents.
06 · MINDSET · FEB 2026
How to Train Alone and Still Improve Faster Than Your Teammates
Solo training done wrong is wasted time. Done right, it’s a competitive advantage. The framework that makes individual sessions as effective as coached ones.
07 · DEVELOPMENT · FEB 2026
The Off-Season Isn’t Rest. It’s an Opportunity.
While most players take the summer off, the serious ones close the gap. How to structure an off-season that creates a real preseason advantage.
08 · NUTRITION · FEB 2026
What to Eat on Matchday — And When
Nutrition on matchday is one of the most overlooked performance factors at grassroots level. Timing matters as much as content. A practical guide for families.
09 · FOR PARENTS · JAN 2026
Is Your Child Ready for Private Coaching? 5 Signs to Look For
Private training isn’t right for every player at every stage. Five indicators that a player is ready for individual, structured development.