Footy Addicts, a London-based app, connects amateur footballers to solve late dropouts and build community. Founded in 2013, it has registered over 323,000 players across the UK, facilitating social connections and exercise.
Footy Addicts demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to address social isolation and promote physical activity by creating accessible community sports opportunities.
Footy Addicts, a London-based app, is revitalizing grassroots football by connecting strangers for impromptu games and fostering a sense of community. The platform was created to address the common problem of late player dropouts, which often lead to unbalanced teams and disrupted matches.
Founded in 2013 by Konstantinos Gkortsilas, who moved to the UK from Greece in 2006, the app was born out of his desire to play football and build a community without the significant time and financial commitments of traditional Sunday League teams. Gkortsilas initially used meetup.com to find players before launching his own platform.
Since its inception, Footy Addicts has seen significant growth, now boasting over 323,000 registered players across the UK. Users like Raul-Julian Grelet, 28, and Jacob Jae Ellis, 23, have found the app to be a "marvel to this community," providing opportunities to play, improve skills, make friends, and get exercise.
Ellis, who returned to London after university, found the app a more "human" alternative to the gym and a welcoming environment for newcomers. The platform has not only facilitated casual games but has also led to genuine friendships, with Ellis attending the wedding of someone he met through Footy Addicts.
Beyond male participation, the app also creates vital spaces for women to play football. Stephanie Benneli, 33, rediscovered her passion for the sport through Footy Addicts after an eight-year hiatus. She highlights football as a crucial outlet during difficult times, emphasizing its positive impact on her well-being.