INTERVIEW: How Goals Aloud FC combats loneliness through football

All Photo Credits to: @goals.aloud.fc

If your group chat is currently 90% “we need to do something fun soon” messages, you’re not alone. Many of us live in that strange space of being busy but lonely, connected but disconnected, painfully aware that our adult hobbies quietly disappeared along the way.

But while most of us are toggling between work and doomscrolling, there’s a pitch in east London where the energy feels completely different. It’s lively, loud, warm and full of people rediscovering joy in the most unexpectedly wholesome way.

Welcome to Goals Aloud FC, the grassroots football team proving that sport can be silly, social and genuinely good for your mental health. It’s football for people who want community, not competition, for anyone ready to move their body, meet new people and laugh their way through learning the basics.

To find out how this small team became such a powerful antidote to burnout and loneliness, we caught up with Verena Camesasca, co-founder, player and certified lovely human, to talk about connection, confidence and why joining a local football team might be the happiest decision you make this year.

What is Goals Aloud FC All About?

Goals Aloud is all about energy, fun and creating a space where football is less about competition and more about connection. As Verena explains, the team focuses on “having a good time, having a bit of a giggle, getting silly on the pitch and making the most of our functioning knees while we can.” Their mission is simple: to make football “a fun, safe space regardless of your ability, age, gender, sexuality or background.”

What sets the team apart is its culture of openness and positivity, which makes it more than just a sport, it’s a social lifeline. “It’s never been about climbing the ladder or being better,” Verena says. Every session is a chance to laugh, celebrate and support one another. She describes the energy as “Gold, warm, happy and full of beans.” In a world where adult friendships can be fleeting, the team builds real connections, offering a space where players feel seen, included and truly uplifted.

Football That Changes Lives

For Verena, co-founding Goals Aloud didn’t just bring fun, it shifted her whole energy and outlook. “Before I started playing with GA FC I was going out on weekends, drinking loads, feeling anxious the next day. I had a group of friends but it was quite limited and closed off. I joined GA and it opened up a whole world of opportunities, celebration and friendships. I know it sounds exaggerated but my life really did change.”

She noticed the transformation quickly. “So many of my friends noticed a shift in my energy, I felt lighter, stronger, happier, louder.” The team became a place to grow confidence, form meaningful friendships and rediscover joy in movement. “I honestly think we all feel the same way, simply so happy to be part of something so special,” she says.

Our Interviewee; Verena Camesasca

The Rise of Women’s Football

The surge in visibility for women’s football has added even more excitement to grassroots teams like Goals Aloud. “The last few Euros and World Cup have made things so special for us,” Verena says. “Seeing legends like Williamson, Russo, Hampton, Bronze has cleared a pathway for young women and girls and creates such a buzz.”

This new energy has helped break down old gender stereotypes, making football widely accepted and celebrated for girls and non-binary players. It has also created role models that make joining a team feel achievable. “It’s that powerful ‘if they can do it, so can I’ moment,” Verena continues.

Alongside professional visibility, the emphasis on inclusive and low-pressure grassroots teams is drawing more players back to sport. “People are returning because it’s not just about the physical game,” she says. “It’s the perfect social hub for combating loneliness and building genuine connections.”

Your Sign to Join a Team

For anyone nervous about their first session, Verena has one simple piece of advice: “Not to be a cliché but: Just Do It.” (Seriously, Nike, take notes.) She admits it can feel intimidating at first but encourages players to focus on curiosity and wellbeing rather than skill. “You don’t need to be skilled, you don’t need to be agile, you just need to be curious. That first session is such a huge step so go in with zero expectations about your performance but with 100% expectation that you deserve to be there.”

About joining Goals Aloud specifically she says, “Message us on Instagram! We’re always monitoring our chats and have a waitlist for those interested in joining the team.” Being part of a supportive team can lift your mood, reduce loneliness and give you a genuine sense of belonging, making football a mental-health boost from day one.

The True Meaning of Sport

In a world dominated by screens, endless scrolling and AI-generated content, it’s easy to forget what real connection feels like. That’s why football feels so magical, a space where laughter echoes, bodies move and friendships bloom in ways no algorithm could ever replicate. Writing this article made me feel emotional about how deeply community lives in football and how it sparks joy, confidence and a sense of belonging all at once. We hold the power in our own hands (and football feet) to tackle loneliness, one game, one kick, one connection at a time.

A huge thank you to Verena and the other co-founding powerhouses Katy and Daisy for creating a team that turns the simple act of showing up into something transformative, reminding us that together we are stronger, lighter and alive.