‘You make people a bit happier’: the football app building friendships in London

‘You make people a bit happier’—London’s football app fostering community

You make people a bit happier - ‘You make people a bit happier’—a phrase that captures the essence of Footy Addicts, the app transforming how footballers in London connect and play. Picture a lively match in a sunlit park, where the roar of ‘Boss! Boss! Boss!’ fills the air. Though the players may not have known each other just hours before, the app has become their link, ensuring games run smoothly and friendships blossom. By addressing last-minute no-shows, Footy Addicts provides a seamless way for amateurs to find teams, build relationships, and enjoy the sport without interruption. Its impact goes beyond the pitch, creating a space where players can improve their game and enrich their lives.

The founder’s journey: from Greece to the UK

Konstantinos Gkortsilas, CEO of Footy Addicts, arrived in the UK from Larissa, Greece, in 2006 with a desire to play football and feel part of a community. However, the Sunday League structure was challenging—requiring commitment and upfront fees. Gkortsilas relied on meetup.com to find teammates, but as the community grew, he recognized the need for a dedicated platform. In 2013, he launched Footy Addicts, which quickly became a cornerstone for grassroots footballers. The app’s success reflects his vision of making the game more accessible and meaningful for all.

The app’s core function revolves around flexibility. When a player cancels at the last minute, others can step in, preventing disruptions. This feature has become vital for thousands of users across the UK, who now rely on Footy Addicts to keep their matches on track. Gkortsilas’s personal experience with the app’s value is clear: “I was coming out of games, meeting people, and it gave me this feeling of accomplishment,” he shares. “You’re giving a little bit to people’s lives, making them a bit happier. For me, that was the biggest victory.”

Building connections through the game

Raul-Julian Grelet, 28, and Jacob Jae Ellis, 23, (known as RJ and JJ) met on the pitch thanks to Footy Addicts. Grelet, who has used the app since its launch, describes it as a “remarkable boon for the community,” emphasizing its role in enabling regular matches. For players like him, the app is more than a tool—it’s a chance to improve skills and forge meaningful connections. “These sessions are open for you to just come and have a kickabout—make some friends and get some exercise,” Grelet adds, highlighting the app’s dual purpose of sport and social interaction.

JJ Ellis, a hospitality worker, rediscovered football through the app after university. “I don’t mind the gym, but I don’t think it’s very nice or particularly human,” he says, contrasting his experience with the camaraderie of playing. Now, the app has become a social hub, allowing him to build lasting relationships. Last year, he even attended the wedding of someone he met on the pitch—a moment that underscores how Footy Addicts helps players grow beyond the game. For many, the act of joining a match has turned into a deeper commitment to the sport and each other.

More than just a game: addressing loneliness and inclusivity

Footy Addicts has evolved into more than a scheduling tool; it’s a social platform combating loneliness in urban settings. Many players, especially young men, find connection through the game, which often feels isolating in daily life. The app’s open-door policy ensures inclusivity, welcoming both seasoned players and newcomers. This has created opportunities for women to engage in the sport, which has traditionally been male-dominated. Stephanie Benneli, 33, is one such user. After an eight-year hiatus since moving to London, she rediscovered football through the app, finding joy in the simple act of playing whenever she chooses.

Whether it’s drizzly, raining, or snowing, Benneli’s commitment to the sport remains unwavering. “I don’t care if it’s drizzly, raining, or if it’s snowing, I just go out and enjoy,” she says. Her story is emblematic of the app’s broader role in reigniting passion and purpose for those who’ve felt disconnected from the game. As players gather, the shared enthusiasm fosters a sense of belonging, proving that football can be a powerful catalyst for community and happiness. Gkortsilas’s vision of creating a space where people come together, even for a simple match, has become a reality for thousands.

Empowering local communities

Footy Addicts has not only made football more accessible but also strengthened local bonds. Players often form friendships that extend beyond the pitch, creating a network of support and camaraderie. This has led to events like weddings, team-building activities, and even community initiatives. The app’s success demonstrates how technology can bridge gaps in traditional sports setups, offering a modern solution for an age-old problem. For Gkortsilas, the app’s impact is personal and profound. “You make people a bit happier,” he reflects, capturing the app’s transformative effect on individual lives and the broader community.