Copyright GIVEMESPORT
The lights glare, the music thumps, and the crowd buzzes inside the Copper Box Arena. Baller League isn’t just football. It’s a show. Fast-paced, ruthless, and full of personalities, it’s where pros, creators, and dreamers collide every week. Now deep into its second UK season, the league continues to prove one thing beyond doubt: small-sided football has never been bigger. This week’s action had everything. Goalkeepers scoring, managers scheming, and hat-trick heroes lighting up the court. Here’s how it all unfolded. “Once we control games, we dominate.” — StarPlayer, NDL FC NDL FC’s 3–2 win over VZN FC was one of the weekend’s most dramatic fixtures. A match that swung back and forth before a goal from their goalkeeper sparked wild scenes. One of NDL's Managers, StarPlayer, cut an animated figure on the touchline, pacing every inch of his technical area. When the whistle blew, relief turned into pride. “It was nervy,” he admitted. “I felt like we were dominant; we controlled the game a lot. Our mistakes led to their goals, I’ll be real. But credit to the boys, they stepped up when we needed a win. It was a big one. Huge in the Baller League overall.” NDL’s style has become a blend of chaos and calculation; something StarPlayer embraces. “We’re a mixture, but the one thing I want us to be is in control. Once we control games, we’re dominant. That’s when the chaos and the magic come out. Like that goal from our keeper… sometimes it’s off the cuff, but you’ve got to play with structure and confidence.” That goal, a thunderbolt from his own half, changed the mood completely. "It really brought the spirit back. We’d conceded a cheap goal from a keeper mistake, and then he goes and smashes one in from distance! We’d actually done our homework; we knew their keeper was always off his line. I’m just buzzing for him.” For StarPlayer, this isn’t just about one win. It’s about culture. “I can’t even explain it. Being part of Niko's setup, bringing that winning mentality I had from SDS into NDL, it’s showing right now. I’m loving every second.” “Futsal taught me to think fast.” — Sam Meisel, 26ers While NDL celebrated, another goalkeeper was turning heads. Sam Meisel of the 26ers impressed early on, showing composure and leadership from the back. “The biggest difference for me is making big saves,” he said. “In futsal, you don’t really get those high, diving saves. Here, you do. But the similarities are there too; playing out with your feet, dictating the game from the back.” That calmness has made the 26ers one of the league’s most composed sides. But adapting hasn’t been without challenges. “The offside rule changes everything. In futsal, you don’t think about that. But here, if I play it over the top, I’ve got to make sure my players are onside. It’s a big shift, but I love it.” And it’s not just the football that keeps him coming back. “I’ve met some amazing people. Footballers, coaches, great personalities. I’m grateful to be part of such a humble, hard-working team.” “It’s chaos. It’s entertainment. And I love it.” — Sam Cox, Yanited Yanited’s 2–2 draw with Wembley Rangers might have felt like two points dropped. But for experienced manager Sam Cox, it was another reminder of what makes the Baller League so unique. “I’ve loved every minute,” he smiled. “It’s chaos. It’s entertainment. A mix of people from all walks of life coming together for this fantastic event.” Cox has been part of the Baller League since day one. His side led much of last season before heartbreak in the semi-finals. “We probably stayed top for most of last season, but then we got knocked out in the semis by MVP. There was always something to come back for. Unfinished business." With Ginge away filming I’m a Celebrity, Cox praised the influence of new leadership. "Steve Bracknell came in and was top; proper motivator. Ginge is such a big personality for the event. But his absence actually gave us extra motivation to do something for him while he’s away.” “I’m just happy to help the team.” — Sam Fitzgerald, M7 FC Few players enjoyed a better night than Sam Fitzgerald, who scored a hat-trick in M7 FC’s 4–2 win over Deportrio. “We started a bit slow and went one-nil down, but I’m just happy to help the team. Hopefully, we can climb the table now. I’m just buzzing for the three points.” Fitzgerald sees the league as both competition and opportunity. “Everyone plays small-sided growing up. This is that, but on a big stage where people can actually see you. It’s proper football, just faster.” And if he could pick any ex-pro to join him? “Thiago, the one from Liverpool. He’s so technical, keeps it sharp. He’d be unreal at six-a-side.” “We’ve got winners in charge.” — Martyn Waghorn, N5 FC Few names bring more pedigree than Martyn Waghorn, and in N5 FC’s 7–3 win over Clutch FC, the former Rangers and Derby striker showed exactly why he’s still got it. “Three from three. Can’t complain! The first few weeks we were adjusting, but today showed our strength. We’ve got depth; lads off the bench making an impact. Everyone knows their role.” He credited his side’s mentality and management for their unbeaten run. “It’s incredible. We’ve got winners in charge. Iman’s so successful at what he does; Chambo’s played at the highest level. The standards are high. If you don’t perform, you’ll be told. But that’s what drives us.”
