Who can play Frame Football?

Players with a physical impairment (including but not limited to Cerebral Palsy, Stroke and Acquired Brain Injury) causing an activity limitation, can participate in frame football. The game has been created for those players who require the use and support of a posture walker, cane, or crutches to walk and / or run.

Frame Football Rules

The laws of the game are based on FIFA Futsal Laws, with some key adaptions:

• 5v5 including GK (minimum 3v3 is permitted)
• Pitch size 40mx20m 
• Futsal Goal (3m x 2m)
• Use of a lighter weight futsal ball 
• Match length 40 minutes (either two halves of 20 minutes or four quarters of 10 minutes if agreed prior to kick off). 
• A two-on-one rule is in play where only one player and an opponent are allowed within 3m of the ball when in play (the only exception is the goalkeeper when in their own penalty area)

You can find the full laws of the game HERE.

Player Frames

Players must use a frame. These can be frames which they have been prescribed or they can use Game Frames which are specifically designed for frame football. CP Sport run a Game Frame rental service.

Find out more about the CP Sport Frame Rental service HERE.

Talent & Elite

Frame football is a developing format of the game therefore there is currently no pathway for international football available. The current priority is to grow numbers of players accessing frame football and increase the number of clubs providing opportunities.

National Disability Sports Organisations

The National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) are a good starting point for many disabled people who want to be more active. They provide advice, support and opportunities for people of all ages with specific impairments. The NDSO for Cerebral Palsy athletes is CP Sport.

The FA works closely with CP Sport to develop more frame football opportunities. The FA funds the National CP Football Development Officer role within CP Sport, who works with the County FA’s to develop new opportunities to play frame specific football.

For more information on the CP Sport Partnership in football please click HERE.

How to get involved in Frame Football

Click here to access the Find Football tool and answer the questions to narrow down your search requirements so you can discover the most suitable playing opportunities local to you.

If you cannot find a suitable playing opportunity or would like to speak to someone, please contact your local County FA.

Casual playing opportunities exist within the disability pathway to make it easier than ever to get involved. The FA’s National Participation programmes are listed below and are inclusive for disabled people to participate. Disability specific sessions also exist within each of these programmes if a non-disability session is not for you. 

Comets

Comets is a recreational, pan-disability football programme for disabled boys and girls aged between 5 and 11. It provides a safe space for disabled children to play football and offers a new, flexible and inclusive way of playing. It's football that breaks the old rules and replaces them with a brand new one: JUST BE YOU. To find out more, click here.

Squad Girls' Football

Squad Girls' Football provides girls aged 12-14 with the opportunity to play football their way. Sessions focus on having fun, making friends and developing core skills such as leadership and confidence. To find out more click here.

Just Play 

Just Play offers a different way to play for new, existing, and returning players. It's for all abilities, disabilities, and backgrounds. It's always welcoming and supportive, so anyone aged 16 or over can enjoy playing, while developing their skills and making new friends.

There are two types of Just Play Disability sessions;
Kickabout Disability is a fun, casual and social way for players of all abilities, fitness and confidence levels to turn up and play. A qualified Just Play lead will start players off with a warm-up exercise, followed by a game and finishing the session with a cool-down. It’s perfect for disabled players aged 16+ who already play, or who are returning to the game.

Learn to Play Disability is ideal disabled people aged 16+ who are newcomers to football, and those who prefer a less competitive experience. The coach led session has a game and skills coaching for passing, shooting, turning and dribbling... all in a safe, supportive space. 

To find out more click here

Pan Disability Teams

Pan-Disability teams allow players with a broad spectrum of impairments to play together including frame users. There are now over 2000 affiliated disability teams within England. These teams provide an environment in which players can play competitively on a regular basis. Pan-Disability Leagues form the foundation of the disability competition structure and there is now a network of over 40 localised pan-disability leagues across England.

Frame Football Teams

There are several clubs who have specific frame football teams, providing a fantastic opportunity for players to play and train together on a regular basis. CP Sport are working with County FAs to develop more regional-based opportunities for teams.