Disability training for clubs workshops expanded for 2026

Disability Training for Clubs: Journey to Inclusion was launched in January 2024 to encourage more grassroots clubs to open their doors to disabled people, providing them with the opportunity to play and get involved with football in their local community.  

The programme forms a key part of our disability football strategy, Football Without Limits, to expand access and opportunities for disabled people to participate in football, with the aim of creating and sustaining a culture across the game, where disabled people have access to all opportunities and feel they truly belong on the pitch. 

Over the last two seasons, we have delivered 48 workshops to over 950 people from 541 grassroots football clubs in England. In addition, our Disability Football Ambassador programme has seen 59 trained experts work alongside football clubs to develop inclusive, accessible opportunities for disabled players of all ages and abilities.

The workshops provide grassroots clubs with the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the barriers disabled people face when accessing football and how to overcome them, alongside additional support in creating and implementing their inclusivity plans, through knowledgeable tutors. 

The training workshops also offer the opportunity for clubs to network with other like-minded clubs, as well as hear real-life case studies of clubs that have successfully grown to become more inclusive. 

Phil Heap, The FA’s National Development Manager (Disability Pathway), said: “Over the past two seasons, our Disability Training for Clubs and Disability Football Ambassador programmes have been acting as a catalyst for growth in disability football opportunities. Thanks to the combined effect of attending a workshop and receiving dedicated ambassador support, grassroots clubs involved saw a 136% increase in opportunities for disabled players last season.

"Clubs benefiting from this support were also twice as likely to introduce disability football provision for the first time compared to those without it. Next year we will be delivering our highest ever number of workshops, empowering even more grassroots clubs to strengthen their disability football provision and ensuring that football is open to everyone."

To find out more about the workshops and how to get involved, click below: