Two young people playing football

Congratulations on graduating. Your sacrifice and commitment to your university education have paid off, and it’s not time to begin the next phase of your life. But getting back to normal isn’t always straightforward. And if you were an avid grassroots footballer before you packed your bags and headed to university, taking up from where you left off may be tricky. 

The good news is that there are countless opportunities to return to the fold. As long as you’re willing to commit and give your best, returning to regular grassroots football after university shouldn’t be too difficult. Here are a few tips to get you started. 

1. Get Online and Get Talking

You can find a football team by joining online communities and reaching out across social media. Look for groups such as "grassroots players looking for local football clubs." These groups are specifically for players searching for teams and clubs that need new players. By joining these groups, you can easily connect with teams that are actively looking for people to join them

Always maintain a positive attitude, and talk about your passion for both football and teamwork – this will be music to the ears of grassroots football coaches and administrators. 

2. Check Out What the FA Has to Offer

To find a local football team, start by checking your local Football Association (FA) websites. Many of these sites – such as the London FA and Gloucestershire FA – have special noticeboards where teams post about needing new players. These platforms are made just for players like you who are looking to join a team.

Also, you can use the "Find Football" tool on the England Football website. This is a handy way to search for grassroots clubs near you and see what opportunities are available.

3. Attend Open Days or Trials

You can attend open days or trials to showcase your talent and commitment to local football clubs. Many clubs organise these events to find new players. Keep an eye on social media or check with your local Football Association (FA) for announcements about when and where these open days or trials will happen. It’s a great way to get noticed and possibly join a team.

But take it seriously! Grassroots football participation levels have been rising since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. There’s real competition for places, and while you don’t have to be the second coming of Maradona to find a team, you do have to demonstrate your dedication to hard work and playing for the team.

4. Contact Local Clubs Directly

You can get in touch with local football clubs in your area. Sometimes, these clubs might have places for new players that they haven't advertised publicly. Many clubs are always keen to welcome enthusiastic players, so it’s a good idea to ask if they have any openings. This approach can help you find a team more quickly.

Tip: Create a CV to demonstrate your grassroots football career thus far, and hand it out or email it to clubs in your area. Add details of the clubs you’ve played for and your achievements. You don’t have to be a serial winner, though. An accomplishment might mean going from making five starts to 25 the following season. 

5. Stay Fit

It's important to keep yourself in good physical condition if you want to impress during trials or training sessions. This means regularly exercising to build strength, stamina, and agility. Consistent training not only helps you perform better on the pitch but also reduces the risk of injury. 

Make sure you have a balanced routine that includes cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility work. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough rest are also key to maintaining peak physical fitness. Being fit shows coaches that you're dedicated and serious about playing at a high level.

Professional footballers who are in between clubs keep training until they get a new contract, so why should you be any different?

6. Network with Former Teammates

Stay in touch with your old teammates and coaches, as they could be valuable resources for finding new opportunities. They might have connections with local teams or be aware of upcoming trials and training sessions in your area. By keeping these relationships alive, you can gain insider knowledge about openings that aren't widely advertised.

 Whether it's through social media, attending reunions or simply catching up over a chat, maintaining these connections can give you an edge in finding the right team to join.

7. Stock Up on Football Equipment

To keep yourself sharp while you wait for the right opportunity to return to grassroots football after university, keep your skills sharp. Buy a small, foldable football goal, and practice your shooting in the garden or at the local park. Invest in a football rebounder, and keep your passing and control in tune. Whatever you do, keep a football at your feet at every opportunity.

Returning to grassroots football after university should be relatively straightforward if you make the right decisions now, keep yourself sharp and in shape, and demonstrate a positive attitude.