Disability Football Helps More People Of Vulnerable Groups Play Sport

9.4 million people in England have a long standing, limiting disability, illness or condition. That's the equivalent of 18% of the population, almost one in five. The Football Association believe that there should be opportunities for everyone in the sport which are flexible, inclusive and accessible.

The English Federation For Disability Sport was established as an umbrella organisation for the eight national disability sports. It helps encapsulate the belief that everyone should be given equal opportunities to take part in sport even if they have a disability.

In 2001, there was a period of in depth discussions in response to various government policy documents. The FA produced its football development strategy, providing a strategic framework for football development in England from 2001 to 2006.

The football development strategy’s key objective was to increase participation, quality and enjoyment of football using four key strands.

One of these, ‘opportunities for all’, committed The FA to ensure that everybody had the opportunity to play, coach, manage, referee and spectate regardless of their race, culture, religion, gender, ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity or social status.

There are now many different disability football teams through out the country who help provide equal opportunities for those with disabilities who may be feeling isolated because they are unable to take part in mainstream football. This can help them meet new people and form friendships and bonds so that they can have a form of support if and when they need it.

The Football Association has a set of safeguarding guidelines to ensure that everyone who takes part in the sport remains safe no matter their race, gender, ethnicity or sexuality. This has now been extended to support adult, open age. Disability football. They ensure that all teams have a Club Welfare Officer in place. They also signpost areas where people can access areas of free online learning to ensure that everyone is kept up to date on the latest developments whether this be legally or ethically on the correct things to do in certain situations.

They have a united approach to this safeguarding strategy which includes:

Implementing preventative safeguarding measures (such as safer recruitment) to create enjoyable, safe and inclusive football environments;

Making the reporting of concerns as easy as possible;

Ensuring safeguarding, child protection and adult at risk concerns are investigated swiftly and thoroughly in conjunction with statutory agencies – and with demonstrable outcomes.

Playing football can allow disabled players to stay fit and healthy by staying active. It helps them build a support network of coaches and players who will help them increase their confidence in social environments. This in turn helps build their confidence in every day life and gives them the belief that they can achieve things when they make an attempt.

Many people who are disabled who have able bodied friends can now take part in a team sport where they might have been left out of in the past due to health conditions etc.

There are many different football clubs around the country which have disability teams so that people who are disabled can take part in the sport they love. This includes the LFC Foundation who have safeguarding practices in place to help support children and adults who may be from vulnerable groups including the disabled. Other clubs are also setting up disabled teams to help provide equality for the whole of society and ensure that no one is left feeling isolated. Bold Rangers JFC from Merseyside is in the midst of setting up a disability team so that they can incorporate more people and help them play football.

If you'd like more information on disability football and the ways you can get involved, please visit:

https://www.thefa.com/get-involved/player/disability/disability-football-overview