A new nationwide survey from McDonald’s Fun Football reveals that one in four UK children often feel left out at school – but team sports are helping bridge the ‘friendship gap’. The initiative highlights the power of play and community in helping children build lasting connections.
- 63% of parents say children’s sport has helped them build friendships and feel more connected to their local community and 47% have grown closer to existing parent friends.
- A quarter of children (25%) are described by parents as often feeling left out at school.
- Just under half, (44%) of children involved in team sports have made new friends they wouldn’t otherwise have met.
A new nationwide survey of 1,000 parents reveals the scale of Britain’s “friendship gap” with one in four children often feeling excluded at school. But amid growing concerns about loneliness and social confidence, McDonald’s Fun Football is emerging as a powerful force for connection not just for children, but for parents cheering them on.
Since 2002, Fun Football has provided free, safe and accessible sessions for children aged 5–11 across the UK. Now, more than 20 years on, the programme continues to offer families much-needed spaces to play, grow and belong, helping children build friendships and confidence and giving parents a chance to connect too.
Parents finding connection on the sidelines…
While the spotlight is often on children, the survey reveals that parents are also seeking and finding connection through sport.
- 63% of parents say they’ve met new friends through their children’s sport.
- 47% have grown closer to existing parent friends.
- 44% feel more connected to their local community.
From chats at the school gates (46%) to cheering from the sidelines (42%), and from sports clubs (53%) to online parent networks (34%), families are finding new ways to connect – often sparked by a shared commitment to their children’s wellbeing.
Childhood friendships and the role of sport in bridging the gap
Friendship is a cornerstone of childhood, but for many families, it’s a source of worry. While 72% of parents say their child finds it easy to make friends outside school, 13% say their child struggles to do so.
At school, parents cite shyness and low confidence (36%) as the biggest barriers to friendship, followed by behavioural or emotional difficulties (24%) and a lack of opportunities to play and socialise (21%).
Outside the classroom, obstacles are practical: limited access to clubs (31%), busy family schedules (30%), and costs or travel (17%) – all of which can leave children and their parents feeling isolated.
Jo Hemmings, Behavioural Psychologist, said:
“Friendships are the cornerstone of childhood – they shape confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing. This research shows that while many children are happy and settled, a quarter are struggling with feelings of exclusion. What’s really encouraging, though, is how powerful sport can be in bridging that gap. From boosting confidence to creating new social circles, team activities give children the chance to belong and thrive – bringing parents closer together too. Making sport more accessible isn’t just about physical health, it’s about giving children the social skills and friendships that will support them for life.”
McDonald’s Fun Football: a place to belong…
With thousands of free sessions running nationwide, McDonald’s Fun Football continues to offer more than just football – it’s a place where children can learn new skills, grow in confidence and make friends. And for parents, it’s a chance to build a community, share experiences and feel less alone.
In a time when connection matters more than ever, Fun Football is helping families find their team on and off the pitch. McDonald’s Fun Football will be showing up generously for parents this winter, with McCafe® served at selected Fun Football sessions. Watch this space for more information!
