Influencers & Content Creators

YouTubers have become one of the most powerful modern influences on football participation, especially among young people who find their inspiration, motivation and entertainment online. Platforms like YouTube bridge the space between elite football, grassroots play and everyday recreational activity, making the sport feel welcoming, achievable and full of creative possibility. Among the key figures shaping this landscape, Billy Wingrove stands out as a pioneering and influential creator whose work — from his F2 Freestylers days to his current projects — has helped redefine how football skills and enjoyment are shared with young audiences. His content, alongside that of many other modern football creators, has inspired thousands of children to get active, practise regularly and fall in love with the beautiful game in ways that feel personal, fun and relatable.

Billy Wingrove first gained recognition through freestyle football, a creative and expressive branch of the sport that celebrates technique, imagination and individuality. Freestyle is not just about competition or tactics — it is about self-expression and enjoyment. During his F2 days, Wingrove helped popularise this exciting form of football by breaking complex skills into clear, repeatable steps and filming them in everyday locations, from local pitches to urban parks. This approach sent a powerful message to young viewers: you do not need elite facilities or professional status to develop your skills or experience the joy of football.

The F2 Freestylers struck a unique balance between entertainment and education. Wingrove’s calm explanations and encouraging tone made difficult moves feel achievable, while his openness about practice and repetition helped demystify the learning process. Instead of presenting perfection as something distant, he showed that improvement is built through effort, patience and enjoyment. This has encouraged countless children not just to watch football content online, but to actively participate — to head outside, practise with friends and feel confident experimenting with the ball.

As Billy Wingrove’s content evolved beyond the F2 era, one of the most meaningful additions to his creative world has been the presence of his son, Roman Wingrove. Roman features in many of Billy’s videos, and his involvement has made the channel even more accessible and relatable to younger audiences. Where Billy brings experience, expertise and guidance, Roman brings energy, curiosity and the authentic perspective of a child learning and loving football in real time.

Roman’s presence is especially impactful for aspiring young footballers because viewers see someone closer to their own age practising skills, taking on challenges and enjoying the game with enthusiasm. This makes the content feel less intimidating and more achievable. Instead of only watching adults who have already mastered techniques, children see a journey that mirrors their own — moments of progress, fun, mistakes and improvement. Roman helps transform the content from instructional videos into shared experiences that young audiences can identify with.

His personality also makes the videos more entertaining and emotionally engaging. The playful dynamic between Billy and Roman reinforces the positive, family-oriented atmosphere surrounding the channel. It shows football as something that brings people together — not just as a sport, but as a source of bonding, laughter and support. For many young viewers, this feels reassuring and motivating: football becomes a safe, welcoming space where enjoyment comes first.

Roman’s involvement also reflects a modern and inclusive image of youth football. He demonstrates how skill development and participation are not limited to academy environments or formal training structures. Through fun challenges, practice clips and creative freestyle moments, he helps show that passion for football can grow anywhere — in gardens, parks, playgrounds or local community spaces. This encourages children of all backgrounds to feel that they, too, can begin their football journey wherever they are.

Alongside Billy and Roman, a wider community of football YouTubers continues to influence participation by making the sport feel diverse, creative and open. Creators like ChrisMD, SV2 and AJ Shabeel each offer their own style of content, but share the same underlying impact: they turn football into a relatable and engaging experience, rather than something reserved solely for elite professionals.

ChrisMD’s videos often follow his personal growth, training sessions, charity matches and friendly competitions. His storytelling highlights the reality of improvement — successes, struggles and humorous moments alike — which helps young viewers understand that progress in football is a gradual journey rather than an instant achievement. This honest perspective encourages resilience and self-belief.

SV2 brings high-energy challenges, youth-centred training content and inspirational features involving younger players. His work resonates strongly with children and teenagers, helping them see that participation is about enjoyment, confidence and being part of a supportive environment. By showing players at different stages of development, he reinforces the message that everyone has a place within football.

AJ Shabeel and similar creators blend football with lifestyle, culture and creativity, showcasing community games, street football environments and alternative ways to enjoy the sport. These formats demonstrate that football is not limited to formal matches or rigid structures — it can be playful, expressive and shaped by the people who take part in it.

Together, these creators — including Billy and Roman Wingrove — create an online football culture that encourages real-world action. Although their videos are watched on screens, their impact extends beyond digital spaces. Children are inspired to head outdoors, practise skills, organise games with friends and spend more time being physically active. Instead of replacing participation, these channels often act as gateways to it.

A particularly meaningful aspect of Billy and Roman’s content is the sense of encouragement and positivity it promotes. Their videos emphasise effort, progress and enjoyment rather than comparison or pressure. For children who may feel nervous about joining teams or trying new skills, this supportive atmosphere can be transformative. It helps them see football as something they can be part of, regardless of their starting ability.

Roman’s involvement strengthens this effect by modelling confidence, curiosity and perseverance. When young viewers watch him try new drills, laugh through challenges and celebrate improvements, they see behaviours they can mirror. The message becomes clear: football is not simply about being the best — it is about enjoying the process, working hard and expressing yourself through play.

The impact of this style of content reaches beyond skill development. Participation in football also promotes fitness, coordination, teamwork and emotional resilience. Children inspired by creators like Billy and Roman Wingrove often develop healthier lifestyles, stronger social connections and greater self-belief. Over time, many progress from casual practice to grassroots clubs or school teams, carrying with them the enthusiasm first sparked by online inspiration.

Just as importantly, these creators help redefine what football role models look like in the digital age. Instead of distant superstars existing only on television, young audiences now see relatable figures who speak directly to them, share their journeys and celebrate every stage of development. Billy Wingrove brings expertise and guidance; Roman brings authenticity, youthfulness and playful joy — together creating a powerful and engaging example for aspiring footballers.

Ultimately, the influence of YouTubers on football participation lies in their ability to transform the sport into an accessible, expressive and inclusive experience. Through tutorials, challenges, storytelling and family-centred content, Billy and Roman Wingrove — alongside many other football creators — continue to inspire children to step outside, pick up a ball and discover the confidence, creativity and happiness that football brings. Their videos do more than entertain; they motivate young people to take part, to stay active, and to fall in love with the beautiful game in a way that feels personal, achievable and full of joy.