When the final whistle blows on a weekend match, many amateur players in London are left with empty parks and unfilled teams. A new app called Footy Addicts is changing that pattern, turning spontaneous drop‑outs into organized games and, unexpectedly, into lasting friendships.
A Community on the Pitch
Raul‑Julian Grelet and Jacob Jae Ellis first crossed paths on the platform, a coincidence that sparked a friendship that now extends beyond the pitch.
Grelet, who now organizes regular matches, uses the app to give newcomers a chance to play, improve their skills and feel part of a team.
The brain behind the service is CEO Konstantinos Gkortsilas, who started by posting football meet‑ups on meetup.com before launching Footy Addicts in 2013. Today the platform boasts more than 323,000 registered players across the United Kingdom.
For Stephanie Benneli, a 33‑year‑old Brazilian who rediscovered her love for the sport through the app, the experience has been transformative, offering both a sense of achievement and a welcoming community.
Beyond the game, Footy Addicts tackles loneliness, especially among women, by providing a structured environment where participants can meet new people, build confidence and leave the field with a smile.