We're tackling ​​toxic masculinity and bottled up of emotions with our Fylde coast football team

Smile FC, founded in 2024, is a community football group based across the Fylde Coast focused on getting players moving, talking, and most importantly, opening up.

Officially a ‘community football group’ rather than a competitive team, Smile focuses more on participation and fun and less on winning and success.

Since launching less than 3 years ago, the group has amassed over 50 regular men players, raised over £7000 for charities around the UK and successfully launched a women’s team, one of the first of its kind in Lancashire.

Ali Bamber is one of the group’s founding members. Speaking to the Gazette about the work Smile FC does, he said: “Smile FC was officially set up in February 2024 by me and two others.

“Having been a part of a recreational football group beforehand, we wanted to provide men and more recently women with some time away from life whilst getting some exercise, meeting new people and raising funds and awareness for charities and local causes.”

“The community we've created is an amazing achievement, with the group creating a family feel for everyone involved. Everyone is so welcoming regardless of skill level and abilities, allowing players to adapt to each playing situation.”

Smile runs two weekly football sessions for men, one on Monday nights and one on Friday nights. Every few months, there is the opportunity for Smile’s players to play competitive games against other community football teams, often in front of big crowds.

In addition to the men’s team, Smile also launched a women’s group in Autumn 2025.

One of Smile’s key aims since starting has been to use football and team spirit as a tool to help get men talking.

​​Traditional notions of masculinity and ‘bottling up’ emotions often create significant barriers, causing men to feel embarrassed or weak for seeking support.

This is why, according to Bamber, Smile’s work is so important. He explained: “Men’s mental health is a huge talking point at the moment. We often hide our thoughts very well, suffer in silence, and sometimes do even worse.”

Since starting in 2024, Smile has managed to donate over £7000 to a range of different charities, both locally and nationally.

Among the most notable partnerships Smile have forged are those with Fleetwood Town FC and Blackpool FC, offering Smile FC players the rare opportunity to step onto professional pitches.

Bamber added: “The opportunity to play at Highbury Stadium came about in 2024, shortly after Smile FC was formed. We were approached by the Head of Operations at Poolfoot Farm with the opportunity to play on the pitch with the offer of this being a possibility again in the future.

“The opportunity and experience for both the players and their families was too good to turn down. For most men, it's a dream to play in a professional football stadium, and in 2026, we'll be making our third appearance at the ground, which is simply amazing.

“My favourite memories of running Smile FC so far have been playing at Highbury Stadium and sharing a pitch with former professional football players. For me personally, lining up against ex-Premier League footballer Youl Mawene was an experience!

“As selfish as this sounds, the recognition we get from people week in week out is also great. Without them and our supporters, none of this would be possible.”