2026 New Year, New Hobby: Girlactico’s Guide to Joining a Football Team

Are you currently feeling inspired by the Lionesses and wanting to join a football team of your own? Girlactico has got you covered, here is our guide to finding a local team of your own from first time ballers to experienced kickers. 

Photograph Credit: Goals Aloud FC

FA Find Football

Looking to dive into the beautiful world of footy but unsure where to start? Football England’s search tool is about to become your new ride-or-die. With women’s football booming and more players joining every week, the vibes are seriously good and there has never been a better moment to lace up. Whether you are craving the full-throttle drama of a 90 minute 11-aside, the fast-paced chaos of an indoor futsal 5-aside or the relaxed good-energy setup of a walking football session, the FA has got you covered. It helps you find your dream team in seconds. You will be scrolling through teams like you are picking your next holiday except this trip comes with shin pads, new mates and that addictive post-match glow. Just pop in your age, gender, postcode and preferred format and the site gives you a menu-style list of all the squads waiting on your doorstep.

Photograph credit; Super 5 League

And the best bit? It covers teams all across the country. Picture floodlit city pitches, tiny village greens, seaside town leagues and everything in between. Wherever you are there is a space for you. So jump online and start your search because you are about to unlock that pitch-side magic, a whole crew of teammates-turned-friends and the unmistakable feeling of belonging to something truly special. Click HERE to find a team of your own!

Photograph credit; Super 5 League

Photograph credit; Super 5 League

Photograph credit; Super 5 League

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Footy

For our lovely queer and gender-queer readers, there is an absolute gem waiting for you. Pride Sports offers a brilliant platform that, just like the FA Finder, helps you track down your perfect local team in a space that is inclusive, supportive and totally you. Whether you are after a team that celebrates individuality or a community where you can show up exactly as you are, Pride Sports makes finding your football home feel easy and empowering. 

Photograph Credit; Goal Diggers FC and Lily Rose Grant

Just click onto their LGBT+ Sports Club Finder and filter by city, sport and membership focus, whether that is trans friendly, women focused, LGBTQ+ friendly or trans exclusive. It is super simple to use and honestly a little addictive because it does not stop at football. You could go in looking for a new five a side squad and come out completely taken by the idea of joining a queer bowling league, a rainbow running club or a community swim group that meets at sunrise. The options are wild and wonderful and it feels like scrolling through a menu of sports spaces where you can show up exactly as you are. Whatever you are into there is a team or club ready to welcome you with open arms. Click HERE to visit Pride Sports Club Finder.

pridesports.org.uk

LGBT+ Club Finder

Visit the post for more.

Photograph Credit; Manchester Laces

First time playing the beautiful game? Here’s what to expect.

So, you’ve decided to finally join a football team and you’re equal parts excited and terrified, totally normal and okay. The first thing to know is everyone starts somewhere, even the Lionesses and the best teams are all about fun, friendship and feeling part of something bigger. Start simple: grab comfy boots (or trainers are okay too!), wear whatever makes you feel like your most confident self and just forget about fancy kit or being perfect at every drill.

Expect nerves mixed with excitement when you step onto the pitch for the first time. Most teams are super welcoming and will happily guide you through the drills, show you the ropes and cheer every little victory, from nailing your first pass to finding your spot in a chaotic 5-a-side scramble. Don’t overthink it, focus on the laughter, the energy and that addictive post-match buzz that makes you feel alive.

Photograph Credit; Bend it Like Peckham FC and Versus

Show up, give it a go and embrace the chaos. Before you know it, you’ll be high-fiving teammates, swapping muddy stories and realising you’ve found a squad that feels like your second family. Football isn’t just a game, it’s a full-on confidence and happiness booster.

Photograph Credit; The Greenwich Wire and Deptford Ravens

So, what are you waiting for? Quit flirting with the idea of football, make it a date! There’s a perfect team out there waiting for you, you’ve got this.