Football kicks off fight against loneliness

A Sheffield-based community initiative is using football to help tackle loneliness by bringing people together through shared experiences and social connection.

One Bench, One Match – A Whole New Ball Game is launching later this month, creating a welcoming space for football fans who may not have someone to attend matches with. 

The project is delivered by not-for-profit organisation Speakeasy Club, in partnership with the Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme and the Campaign to End Loneliness at Sheffield Hallam University.

Officials say the initiative is aimed at people who feel isolated for a range of reasons, including those who are new to the area, living with social anxiety, grieving, or simply lacking regular social contact. 

Participants are encouraged to meet before matches, using football as a natural catalyst for conversation and connection across generations.

The first official meet-up will take place on Saturday, January 31 at Hillsborough Stadium, ahead of Sheffield Wednesday’s Championship fixture against Wrexham. 

A permanent bench outside the club shop will act as the meeting point, with attendees gathering from late morning before kick-off. 

Anyone who signs up through the Speakeasy Club website will receive a free match ticket.

Simon Clarke, founder of the Speakeasy Club, said: “One Bench, One Match, A Whole New Ball Game is about working together to create simple, welcoming spaces where conversations can start naturally. 

“Football has an incredible power to bring people together, and by partnering with the Campaign to End Loneliness and the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme, we’re using that shared love of the game to help people connect – reminding them that they’re not on their own and having a good laugh in the process.”

Sean Graves, health manager Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme, added: “It’s great to be a part of this programme and hoping we can really make a change in the community and tackle mental health issues and loneliness.” 

The project responds to growing concerns around loneliness, which research increasingly recognises as a public health issue linked to poor mental and physical health outcomes. 

By combining community, routine and shared passion, organisers hope football can help rebuild a sense of belonging.

Professor Andrea Wigfield, director of the Centre for Loneliness Studies and the Campaign to End Loneliness, added: “We are proud and pleased to join forces with the Speakeasy Club and Sheffield Wednesday Football Club to launch this new initiative, ‘one bench, one match’. 

“We know from our research how devastating loneliness can be for both our mental and physical health. 

“Football is a great opportunity to bring people together, forge social connections and a sense of belonging. 

“The shared interest in your club, the communal chanting, the sharing of the club’s colours all help to foster a community spirit which means that you can attend a match alone without knowing anyone and yet not feel alone.”

The initiative is supported by the Postcode Lottery Trust, LENSGO Visual Media and Goose Creative, alongside the Campaign to End Loneliness.

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