Britain faces some big challenges in 2025. Inflation and the cost of living have made life hard for many families. Mental health services are overwhelmed. Crime and anti-social behaviour are rising, especially in areas with few opportunities or support. These problems can feel too big to solve. But small, local actions can bring some positivity and start real change. At Football for All, we believe a simple weekly kickabout can help. In this article, we talk about how flexible football sessions are helping with three problems many people face in the UK today. These are the pressure of rising costs, the struggle with mental health and the rise in difficult behaviour in youth and adults.
Supporting communities with flexible football during the cost of living crisis
Money is tight for millions of people across the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, nearly 9 in 10 adults say their cost of living has gone up in the last year. With gym memberships, clubs and holidays becoming too expensive for many, casual football can still bring people together without high costs.
Football for All sessions are local, affordable and welcoming. Some are even free. For someone on a tight budget, it’s one of the few ways to stay fit and social without spending much. That matters when stress about bills and debt is high.
A player at our sessions in Leeds put it simply:
“I couldn’t afford going away anymore. This gives me the same energy and keeps me going.”
Casual football also brings small moments of relief. For one hour a week, players can forget about rising costs and enjoy something positive. This sense of normality and fun helps people cope during financially hard times. It’s a break that costs little but means a lot.
Here’s how our sessions help with cost of living stress:
- They’re free or very low-cost, with no expensive gear needed
- Players get exercise, fresh air and connection without contracts
- They offer an affordable escape from financial stress
When people can’t afford much else, a friendly game of football is something to look forward to. We believe no one should be priced out of feeling good.
Supporting Mental Health through movement and belonging
The UK faces a growing mental health crisis. One in four adults experiences a mental health problem each year. NHS services are stretched and many people wait months for support. In this gap, everyday activities like flexible football can play a powerful role.
Regular physical activity is proven to help with depression, anxiety and stress. Even a short session once a week lifts mood and clears the mind. Football is especially good because it’s active, social and playful. It encourages people to show up, move their bodies and talk to others.
At Football for All, we see this in every session. People arrive tired or tense and leave smiling. Players tell us it helps them switch off from their worries and sleep better. One regular in Manchester said,:
“Football is my reset. It gives me structure when everything else feels messy.”
Many people who join us have never played in a formal team or stopped years ago. They come back for the fun, not the competition. That means there’s no pressure to be great. Main thing is to have fun. This creates a relaxed space where mental health can improve naturally, without anyone needing to explain or justify how they feel.
Football supports mental health by:
- Releasing feel-good chemicals that reduce stress and improve mood
- Providing routine, purpose and something to look forward to
- Encouraging connection without forcing awkward conversation
- Helping people feel useful, included and active
It’s not a replacement for medical care but it’s a powerful first step. And for many, it’s the only mental health support they can access right now.
Reducing anti-social behaviour by creating positive habits
Crime and anti-social behaviour are a real concern in many communities. They are often linked to boredom, isolation or a lack of purpose. And not only in youth. Adults too can fall into patterns that harm themselves and others. Substance misuse, aggression or street conflict often rise when people feel stuck, angry or invisible.
Football for All programmes provide an alternative. It creates routine, structure and positive habits. Showing up to play each week helps people stay out of trouble, stay connected and stay well. We know from experience that players who had previously been involved in low-level crime often settle and improve when they find something stable and rewarding to do.
Sessions also build respect. On the pitch, people learn to play fair, listen and take part in a team. These habits often carry over into everyday life. One participant in Bristol said:
“It helps me keep a lid on things. I come here to let off steam in a good way.”
By offering a space where people can move, laugh and feel seen, football gives them reasons to make better choices. Some even start helping out at sessions, taking more pride in their role. This shift is the best piece of evidence.
Football helps reduce anti-social behaviour by:
- Giving people structure and routine
- Providing a safe outlet for stress and anger
- Replacing harmful habits with healthy ones
- Encouraging respect and teamwork
When we invest in regular, inclusive activities like football, we give people better ways to spend their time. That’s good for individuals and for communities.
What we need to go further
Football for All is working to get a local kickabout going in every town and city in the UK. We believe casual football should be part of the solution to the country’s biggest problems. But we can’t do it alone.
We need access to pitches that are free or affordable. We need local councils to back community projects like ours. We need support from health partners and funders who believe in the power of prevention.
Most of all, we need people. Players, volunteers and supporters. If you’re reading this, you can help. Join a game, bring a friend or help spread the word.
Conclusion
A simple game of football can do more than most people realise. It might only be an hour after work or school but for someone going through a rough week, it can be the one moment they feel free again. Football has a way of giving people energy when life wears them down and hope when they feel stuck. If you’re looking for a game near you, visit our Find a session page.
