Footy Addicts, the UK-based platform that connects casual football players with local football games, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Founded by Konstantinos Gkortsilas, Jonathan Suarez, and Danny Taeidy, Footy Addicts has grown from a small startup to a platform that has helped thousands of people across the UK stay active, make new friends and find a sense of belonging through football.

Play Football games whenever you want

Built on the ethos of accessibility, social Integration, and wellbeing, Footy Addicts has become a household name among football enthusiasts of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and levels of play. Since its inception in 2013, Footy Addicts has become the go-to platform for football lovers looking to play a game with like minded people in their local area.

Footy Addicts ethos is built around three pillars:

Accessibility

• No matter what level of football you play, everyone is welcome at Footy Addicts games
• You can join a game whenever you want, and there’s no need for long-term commitments
• The platform is easy to use, and you can sign up for free

Social Integration

• Footy Addicts brings people from different backgrounds and cultures together
• You can make new friends and form teams with people you meet on the platform
• The community encourages respect, fair play, and teamwork

Wellbeing

• Football is an excellent way to stay healthy and improve your fitness
• Playing regularly can boost your mental health and reduce stress levels
• Footy Addicts aims to build happier, healthier, and thriving communities through football

A decade of organising casual football games

Footy Addicts is more than a football platform. It is a movement that celebrates diversity, encourages a positive attitude, and inspires people to be the best version of themselves.

Over the past decade, Footy Addicts has made significant contributions to sporting venues utilisation and local communities, promoting social cohesion and physical and mental wellbeing through football. The platform has helped to break down barriers and foster connections among people who might not have otherwise met. Footy Addicts’ success lies in its ability to create an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages people to participate in local football games, improve their skills, and connect with others who share their passion for the sport.

Footy Addicts’ success story

Commenting on the company’s milestone, Konstantinos Gkortsilas said, ‘This is an amazing achievement for everybody who has been involved in the project since the beginning. From local players to local community organisers. Over these 10 years we were privileged to meet amazing people who inspired us to keep this project alive. We are really excited to see how Footy Addicts could help even more people be active in the future.’

Jonathan Suarez added, ‘It fills me with joy and gratitude to have spent 10 years on this amazing project. We have grown from a couple of weekly games to a national platform, and we are proud to have connected 100,000s of football enthusiasts. With our sights set on the future, we look forward to continuing to bring the beautiful game to casual football players everywhere and reaching even more people in the next 10 years. The best is yet to come!’

Danny Taeidy concluded, ‘From the first day to today, the project still fills me with such excitement. I know we are on the right track to making the nation more active and making football truly accessible to all. The next chapter will be even more exciting as we establish ourselves across the country and introduce more features to aid the grassroots game’.

‘The next chapter will be even more exciting as we establish ourselves across the country and introduce more features to aid the grassroots game.’ 

Footy Addicts helps develop Grassroots Football in the UK

Footy Addicts’ dedication to grassroots football has contributed significantly to the development of the sport. Through its network of local football games, Footy Addicts has made it easier for people to find and participate in football games. This has led to the growth of local football communities. These communities have been able to organise games themselves, create their own teams, and participate in small sided leagues organised by Footy Addicts.

Women’s football

Footy Addicts is not only committed to bringing people together through football but also to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in sports. They are dedicated to growing women’s football, which has been gaining more popularity in recent years.

Their platform offers the opportunity for women to join or create their own games, regardless of their skill level. The company understands the barriers that women face in sports, and they are committed to breaking those barriers down. Footy Addicts has a growing number of female members and regularly organises women-only football games.

Football for good

Footy Addicts has always been a socially responsible organisation. Their dedication to making a positive impact on the community extends beyond their platform. The company regularly collaborates with organisations that support active lifestyle and mental health initiatives. They believe that football can be a powerful tool to help people who are struggling with their physical and mental health, and they are committed to providing opportunities for individuals to connect and improve their wellbeing through the sport.

In addition to their direct involvement in charitable initiatives, Footy Addicts also encourages their users to give back to their local communities. They regularly promote fundraising events and encourage their users to support causes that are important to them.

Conclusion

By prioritising charitable work and social responsibility, Footy Addicts is making a positive impact on the world beyond their platform. Their commitment to giving back and supporting those in need reflects their ethos of accessibility, social integration, and wellbeing. Footy Addicts is proud to be a part of the growing movement towards gender equality in sports. They will continue to support and promote women’s football in the UK and beyond.

👉 Read this article to find out more about Footy Addicts.

The post Footy Addicts Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Connecting Casual Football Players with Local Football Games appeared first on Footy Addicts Blog.

Footy Addicts is an online platform that connects people who love playing football ⚽️ with other players and football venues. 

How does Footy Addicts work?

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up: Create a free account. You can do this through the website or mobile app.
2. Find games: Once you’ve signed up, you can search for games in your area using the website or app. You can filter your search based on location, date and time.
3. Join a game: Once you’ve found a game that you like, you can sign up to join it. You’ll be able to see who else has signed up to play. You can message the organiser, and other players or comment on the game to coordinate details.
4. Play football: On the game day, you’ll meet up with the other players at the designated venue and play football! You have a range of different venues, including indoor and outdoor pitches, so you can choose the type and size of game you want to play.
5. Review and rate: After the game, you can leave a review and rating for the organiser and other players. This helps to build trust and accountability within the community.

The platform also offers features like in-app chat, reminders, and a personal dashboard to help you stay organised and connected with other players. The platform is easy and fun to use, whether you’re a seasoned footballer or a beginner looking to improve your skills.

Who can play with Footy Addicts?

Footy Addicts is open to anyone who loves playing football (soccer). The platform connects players of all ages (16+), genders, and skill levels with local games in their area. Whether you are a casual player looking for a weekly kickabout or a bit more competitive, the app can help you find and book games that fit your needs.

What do Footy Addicts games look like?

All games are open to players of all skill levels. The sessions are co-ed, inclusive and welcoming to people of diverse backgrounds and abilities. Some games may have certain tags, such as skill level #competitive #highlevel, gender #womensonly or price #discounted #free. You will find these in the game descriptions and booking details.

Footy Addicts also provides opportunities for teams to join leagues and annual tournaments. So whether you’re an individual player or part of a team, you can easily find and connect with other football enthusiasts in your area.

All players must respect the Code of Conduct at all times.

What to expect from Footy Addicts games?

The games can vary in terms of location, playing style, and skill level. The sessions are organised and hosted by different members of the community. However, here is a general idea of what you can expect from games:

• Number of players: Most Footy Addicts games are 5-a-side or 7-a-side matches. It means that each team has five or seven players on the pitch at a time. However, there are also some 11-a-side games available, particularly for more competitive players.
• Playing surface: Footy Addicts games can take place on a variety of surfaces. You have outdoor astro turf or 3G pitches and indoor sports halls to choose from. The playing surface will be indicated in the game description when you book a game.
• Playing time: Games typically last for an hour.
• Skill level: Footy Addicts games are open to players of all skill levels, so you can expect to find games that cater to beginners, intermediate players, and more advanced players. Some games may have skill level requirements or restrictions, which you will see in the game details.
• Community atmosphere: Footy Addicts games are designed to be friendly, inclusive, and welcoming to all players. You can expect to meet other football enthusiasts from a variety of backgrounds and ages, and to participate in a positive and supportive community. Some games may also include social activities before or after the match. The community members are often keen to go for food and drinks at a nearby pub or restaurant.

Overall, Footy Addicts games are a great way to stay active. Meet new people, and enjoy the beautiful game of football.

What do people say about Footy Addicts?

Without this, I would’ve been depressed after moving to new city and not playing football for a while as well as not having a group to play with. Good group of guys and a good standard of players/competition! Thank you all @footyaddicts – Zinedine, Birmingham

I’ve been playing with Footy Addicts for a few years now and my fitness has never been better. I play 2 or 3 times a week and love it. You guys are amazing! – Thomas, London

First game I played in on Wednesday, really enjoyed it. Looking forwardto playing more often weekly. – Ihsan, Manchester

How do I find football friends?

Here’s how you can use the platform to find football friends:

1. Create a profile: Sign up and create a profile. Make sure to include your profile picture, preferred position, and location.
2. Browse games: Browse the games available in your area and find ones that fit your schedule and skill level.
3. Attend games: Pick games and times that suit you and attend them. This is a great way to meet other football players in your area and start building relationships.
4. Be friendly and social: Once you’re at the game, introduce yourself to the other players and have a chat. This will help you to make new friends who share your love of football.
5. Play regularly: If you enjoy playing with a particular group of people, you can follow each other on the platform and join more games together. This will give you a regular group of football friends to play with and socialise with.

Remember, the key to making footy friends is to be proactive, attend games regularly, and be open to meeting new people. Good luck!

Fancy joining a casual game near you?

See you on the pitch 👋

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📈 Footy Addicts games 2022 Stats

As you might know, Footy Addicts games are all about bringing people together through the beautiful game. And we are proud to share how last year has gone. 

Here are a few stats:

Throughout 2022 we organised over 28000 football sessions across the country. That’s a lot of goals! Also, 95% of our casual sessions went ahead in 2022 giving players a certain guarantee that if you are signing up to a game then it should be going ahead.

Thanks to you and our football community, (most**) Footy Addicts games were played in a friendly and respectful atmosphere and welcomed 1000s of new addicts onto the platform. 

Playing football together is a great way to bond with others and build meaningful relationships while improving your fitness. It helps to let off steam, have fun, and feel a sense of camaraderie and belonging. 

We calculated that in 2022 players made over 5.5 million connections on the pitch. That’s a positive sign of social integration through the simple act of sharing a common passion for football. ❤️

These games resulted in:

🤝 New friendships

🙏 Employment opportunities discovered 

🏢 Joint businesses started

💦 and many, many calories burned.

⚽️ You’re not just playing a game. You’re playing for the future of the football community.

Footy Addicts games are for the people who live and breathe football. Regardless of their gender, background or level of play.

We aim to create local communities around football so you can share your passion with people who understand it! Have a chat with other players at Footy Adducts games and find out for yourself. Everyone has their own story, and that’s what makes casual games beautiful. 

🤑 More Footy Addicts games memberships

Our BETA version of membership packages is also proving to be a hit, with over 1720  memberhsips bought  last year.

The idea of the membership packages are to get our users playing more regularly and incentivising players with a discounted pack if they purchase more games upfront. We saw a 50%+ increase in user activity here. Given that the trial went well, we will be rolling out more memberships over the course of the year. 

😒 Dealing with lockdowns and closed pitches

We’re thrilled to be back on track after a couple of years of lockdowns and closed pitches. It’s been an absolute nightmare (probably for you, too), but we’re finally able to get back to doing what we do best – organising quality football sessions for players of all levels. 

Our team is excited about the possibilities for the future – and we know you will be, too.

🧑‍💻 Trusted by organisers

More and more organisers are turning to Footy Addicts to manage their sessions. The increased demand for our platform has resulted in more opportunities for players to get involved and enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. At Footy Addicts we are doing all we can to ensure that the games posted are genuine and that we have enough demand to fill all sessions posted.

🆕 New Year’s changes

We are committed to creating more games in new areas. In order to do that, we take a big financial risk as we need to invest in pitch hires, campaigns & operational costs. Any profit from the Footy Addicts games we currently run is 100% re-invested to create more opportunities for more people to get involved in social football games.

Due to several reasons explained in more detail below, some of our most popular games have increased in price.

🏦 What 10.7% inflation mean for your money?

Many venues increased their pitch hire fees during the past World Cup due to inflation and anticipated demand. 

If you ask if Footy Addicts always make money on games, the answer is no. 

In fact, we make a loss on some sessions and still keep them because it helps maintain activity on the platform and create an evermore universal platform where people can find games. 

If we don’t charge more, our football community will be much smaller, and we won’t be able to make a positive social impact in new areas. We have to make sure we’re generating enough revenue to do that.

We’re constantly working on new Footy Addicts games and testing new features to ensure you’ll love them. This means we need to increase our game prices to make all these updates possible.

🙌 #discounted Footy Addicts games community programme

We want football to be accessible to everyone, so we’ve created a fair number of sessions at lower prices across the country so that more people can get active. Also, remember that you can always play for free if you fancy hosting. 

We want to make sure that you feel welcome, and that you can experience the joy of playing football without having to worry about cost.

❤️ Join our football community

Remember, when you join casual Footy Addicts games, there’s a bigger plan in place. We’re working towards ensuring everyone enjoys more games in more places and feels involved.

We’re in this together. ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Fancy organising football sessions on our platform? Here’s a quick guide on starting your own Footy Addicts games.

Are you in London, Manchester or Birmingham? Check out these guides to the best local football pitches 👇

12 best pitches to play football in Manchester

12 amazing pitches to play football in Birmingham

Top 5 pitches to play football in London

The post New Footy Addicts games, new prices, more memberships!  appeared first on Footy Addicts Blog.

What’s next?

With the latest government guidelines allowing small groups of 6 to meet in open spaces, we’re taking the opportunity to get out there and start moving… introducing Footy Addicts Training!

Of course, it goes without saying, our priority remains and will always be players safety. For us this means adhering to guidelines as strictly as possible and minimising the remaining risk of potential spread. Social distancing will be in place and all activities are non-contact, also, sanitary gel will be available at sessions. We think this will encourage people off the couch and back into the open air to ensure match fitness for when we are able to restart games.

Football training sessions

The training sessions have been designed to include a variety of exercises and footy drills to dust off the cobwebs. Understandably, fitness levels will be low for many people and that first touch will need some greasing but it won’t take long to shake off the rust and have you back on form.

The structure will largely be consistent throughout any training session organised by Footy Addicts:
Warm-up to get the body moving followed by some cardio and/or HIIT training exercises.
After we have the difficult stuff out the way, it’s time to get the ball rolling.
We’ll be sharpening our first touches, measuring our passes and fine-tuning our dribbles.

Before we finish off with a warm-down, a fun activity such as football tennis to cool off from the session is an absolute must. If you haven’t played before, you’re in for a treat 😉

The exercises/drills can vary from session to session and will provide you with the tools to get back in better shape than ever.

Now I know what you’re thinking, every football training you ever went to as a kid probably came with “can we not just play a match” as you arrived. But we have to roll with the punches here, these training sessions will be the perfect gateway step to get you back on track and reach your full footy addicts potential. There are sessions now being carried all over London and Manchester and it’s time to get back out there. Simply check out the upcoming games on the App or website and see what is local to you. Over the coming weeks, we intend to offer more and more options to play and reduce travel to a minimum.

As always, your feedback is crucial and will shape the future of Footy Addicts Training, so if you attend, please do let us know your thoughts. If you are interested in running your own training, get in touch with us and we can support too.

See you in the parks, Footy Addicts!

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