Specsavers has launched its hunt for the country’s worst grassroots football team, with Swansea sides encouraged to apply for a chance to star in the next season of the brand’s hit YouTube series.
Specsavers has launched its search for the UK’s next “Best Worst Team”, opening the door for a Swansea grassroots side to take centre stage in the fifth season of the brand’s hit YouTube series.
The campaign, which celebrates the brilliantly chaotic moments that define grassroots football, has transformed struggling clubs in previous years — and organisers say they are looking for an even bigger underdog this time around.
Season 5 followed Essex side Warley FC, who were guided through a full campaign by former Premier League and FA Cup winner Micah Richards. The team endured a brutal run of 18 defeats and 81 goals conceded before turning their fortunes around to finish fourth in the league.
Specsavers says the next chosen club will receive a season of “money-can’t-buy experiences”, with support from some of the biggest names in sport. Previous episodes have featured appearances from James Milner, Joe Cole and chef-to-footballers Jonny Marsh.
The retailer says Swansea clubs are firmly in the frame, with organisers encouraging local teams to apply or be nominated for the 2026/27 series.
Swansea sides have already shown what can happen when an underdog gets its moment. Cwm Albion, once dubbed the UK’s worst-performing team, completed a remarkable turnaround after going from a –191 goal difference to promotion. Their final‑day 6–2 win became one of the most-read football stories on the site.
The club later put together an unbeaten run that rivalled the Welsh national side’s form, cementing their status as one of Swansea’s most talked‑about grassroots teams.
Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp also travelled to Swansea to support the squad during a previous Specsavers campaign, backing the players after they were deemed the UK’s worst-performing side.
Specsavers says it wants to shine a similar spotlight on another grassroots club this year, with the aim of boosting confidence, improving results and celebrating the human side of the game.
Kim Bull, Brand Communications Lead at Specsavers, said the series works because it captures the humour and heart of grassroots football. “Best Worst Team has always been about celebrating those brilliantly human moments where our eyesight or hearing lets us down and there’s no better stage for that than grassroots football,” she said.
“But beyond the humour, what makes this campaign so powerful is the real impact it delivers for local clubs and their communities. Season 4 proved just how transformational that support can be when you shine a spotlight on a grassroots club and back it wholeheartedly.”
Clubs selected for the series can expect expert coaching, surprise visits from sporting legends and behind-the-scenes support throughout the season.
Specsavers will follow the chosen team throughout the 2026/27 campaign, documenting their progress on the company’s social channels and dedicated YouTube channel.
Applications and nominations are now open, with organisers encouraging teams who have endured tough seasons, heavy defeats or morale-sapping runs to put themselves forward.
The retailer says the campaign is designed to celebrate resilience, community spirit and the joy of the game — even when results don’t go to plan.
Teams can apply or nominate a club at www.specsavers.co.uk/best-worst-team.
