More Than a Game: How UCL reshapes the football community

Keriane N’Da, a Psychology and Language Sciences student at UCL, explores how football can be more than a game—from building friendships and confidence to helping students find their belonging at university.

More than just a game

Let’s face it, it can be overwhelming to make time to build friendships, get active and be involved in student life.

But for some UCL students, sports like football have become more than a hobby. They have found a space to unwind, meet new people, make unforgettable memories and a community to belong to.

University football can seem daunting at first. Imagining competitive matches and experienced players may leave some students wondering whether there is a safe space to simply stay active, make friends, or try something new.

However, football at UCL redefines that stereotype, with opportunities for every student to get involved. In the 2025/26 academic year, more than 1200 students engaged in the diverse range of football activities on offer: having a kick-about at Project Active Pay & Play Football; joining one of the six football clubs at UCL; playing as a group of friends or society in TeamUCL social leagues and tournaments; working as paid referees; taking on leadership and volunteering roles with TeamUCL Playmakers.

Five female standing in front of a football goal celebrating after a game.

Three people standing on a football field, crossing their arms in front of their chest and smiling at the camera.

Six males sitting on a bench next to a football field. One of them is holding a football.

Behind each of these pathways is something more meaningful than the game itself. For most students, football is the entry point for deepening friendships, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging to a community.

So, how do students feel about their own football journey at UCL?

Let’s listen to stories from two UCL students - Laura & Yuera.

Laura’s Story

Laura is a 2nd year student who took part in the women’s social football tournament earlier this summer after rediscovering her passion for football, which begun in primary school in Germany.

Her first session back to the sport was a 3-aside social game, where she joined a mix of students of different abilities, backgrounds, and courses coming together to play. Despite some level of competitiveness, what stood out to her wasn’t the goal scoring...

“The beauty of football is not only that you score goals. Of course that's exciting, but everyone has a different role and together you are part of something greater - that is when you start to fully enjoy it.”
Laura

A group of females on a football pitch gathered together. They are smiling at the camera. Three of them are wearing medals.

Through football, Laura has enriched her university experience by making friendships outside her course and creating a routine supporting her physical and mental health.

Altogether, these experiences weren’t left on the pitch; Laura has recently been accepted onto a football leadership programme – The Football Association Leadership Academy - an opportunity she believes will open more doors through her involvement in football at UCL.

But what is it like if you haven’t played football before? Here’s Yuera’s story.

Yuera’s Story

Yuera is a Social Sport Activator who volunteered last academic year with Project Active (facilitating Pay & Play football sessions). She became a football fan first, following the weekly Premier League, and then sought further opportunities to get involved. Accidentally, she came across an Instagram post by Project Active offering beginner-friendly sessions, describing them as “perfect for someone who's never played."

After some basic training, Yuera partook in her first women's-only 5-aside Pay and Play session as an activator, leading the participants through a warmup, short matches, and a scary penalty game.

All the players were friendly and supportive; after the game they went to the institute bar to watch the women's euros and chat about school and life. It was a memorable moment for Yuera to find a safe space to let loose and deepen social bonds.

“I want to challenge people who might have the same biased opinions I had before. It is not an exclusive sport for men and experienced players; it is a sport for everyone.”
Yuera

Even if it's you’re first-time playing, Yuera shows that football at UCL is a welcoming place for diverse football lovers to kick about and have fun within a supportive community.

One Community, Many Opportunities

Now you might be thinking, what if it isn't for me?

Both student stories demonstrate that a team player can take many forms. Trial and error is crucial to finding a way to participate that works for you. Laura advised “easing yourself” into the game by experimenting with different positions to find what you enjoy. Whereas Yuera highlighted “not limiting your beliefs”, taking micro-risks and reflecting afterwards.

Belonging in the UCL football community is not limited to scoring goals. It’s going all out: whether that’s pushing yourself off and on pitch, watching late-night games and going to lectures next morning, or simply playing a match anywhere, anytime to boost your confidence.

Your Move

Feeling excited to take the next step but don't know where to start?

To find out more visit the football hub

We've got you covered on the many football activities UCL has to offer. Head to the football hub to explore ways to to get involved:

Clubs
TeamUCL Social leagues & tournaments
Project Active sessions
Coach, referee and volunteer with TeamUCL Playmakers

Last updated 1 week ago by Lydia Smith