Right then lads, let’s get stuck into how I actually found some Sunday league teams near me in Sunderland this week. Wanted to get back into footy proper after months sat on my arse. Here’s exactly what I did, step by step.
The Frustrating Start
First off, I grabbed my phone proper eager. Typed “Sunday league teams Sunderland” into Google like anyone would. Bloody useless. Loads of outdated stuff – leagues that folded years ago, club pages last updated in 2017! Even found a phone number for some pub team…rang it twice, went straight to voicemail. Felt proper deflated already.
Needed a better plan sharpish.
Digging Deeper Locally
Remembered my mate Dave bangs on about grassroots footy. Gave him a bell: “Ey mate, know any teams needing lads?” He’s useless too. “Dunno mate, try Facebook?” Cheers Dave. Genius. Anyway, swallowed my pride and hopped on Facebook. Joined 3 local groups:
- Sunderland Grassroots Football
- Wearside Football Finds
- Sunderland Sport & Clubs
Posted: “Any Sunday league sides near SR5 looking for a keeper? 30s, bit rusty but keen!” Fingers crossed.
Checked it every hour like a madman. Got a few “Good luck mate” comments first day. Rubbish. Almost gave up.
The Breakthrough
Third morning? Buzzin’. Bloke named Paul tagged some local club secretary in my post. Sent him a message straight away. This is the key bit:
I asked WHERE they trained and WHEN their next session was. Straight out. No fluffy “Hi, I love football” crap. Got a proper answer: “Thursday nights, 7pm pitch near The Willows Pub.” Bingo.
But…just one team? Wanted options. Went back to Facebook, searched actual post comments under other people asking similar things. Found two more teams mentioned:
- Millfield Mavericks (SR4)
- Southwick Warriors (SR5)
Messaged them same way – location and training time first.
Trial & Error (Literally)
Turns out Millfield Mavericks folded last month! Contact number dead. Gutted. Southwick lot replied same day though: “Training tonight, 6:30pm behind Lidl car park.” Bit dodgy, but went anyway. Bit muddy, kit was crap, but lads seemed sound. Got told just turn up Sundays, pay £5 subs. Simple.
Went to Paul’s team Thursday too. Pitch was miles better but 20 blokes showed up – mad scramble for places. Secretary said “Come again next week, see if any spaces.” Not great.
What Actually Worked
- Local Facebook groups – painful but essential.
- STRAIGHT TO THE POINT messaging – no waffle.
- ASKING FOR LOCATION & FIRST SESSION IMMEDIATELY – saves weeks.
- PHYSICALLY TURNING UP – texts mean nowt till you’re there.
Ended up with Southwick Warriors. Bit rough round the edges, but they play proper football and the pub after is decent. Truth is? Took about 4 days of graft, two dead ends, a muddy knee, and ignoring Dave’s advice. Worth it though. Up the Warriors!