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 allow players with a broad spectrum of impairments and health conditions to play together. 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.

In general, these leagues are small sided in format (usually). In junior disability football, there's a maximum age banding of four years, usually U8, U12 and U16. No-one under the age of 16 can play in adult pan-disability football. Where no female-specific opportunities exist, FA dispensation is available for mixed-gender competitions at adult ages. Where team numbers permit, the leagues adopt the principle of ‘ability banding’ to ensure there are opportunities for everyone to get involved. For more information about your local league please contact your County FA.