Football
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Football is the world’s most popular ball sport in terms of participants and spectators. It is a team game and can be adapted in many different formats e.g. walking football, frame football, powerchair football and different sized teams. Football can be a great sport to go and play at the local park, in the garden or as part of a team.
Cerebral Palsy Football (CP Football) is for people with cerebral palsy, or an acquired brain injury. It is a team sport which can be played as a recreational activity, competitively at a club or at a national, regional and international level. Football is very adaptable and people can take part in activities on their own or with family and friends. There are a range of opportunities to play more formally within clubs and recreational centres, as well as opportunities to compete within various leagues. Many individuals with cerebral palsy participate within Pan disability football activities. There is the National CP Football League, providing opportunities for adults aged 16+, both male and female, to play within an impairment specific format. Individuals with cerebral palsy can also play within mainstream football.
There is an international pathway for individuals with cerebral palsy to take part in. The FA, with their networks, run a number of England talent days as part of the para football pathway which leads to regional hubs, and onto national emerging talent hubs.
England Football is the Football Association’s home for participation and the grassroots game
What equipment will I need?
The basic equipment needed is a ball. Players can use various size footballs depending on their age and ability. CP Football can be played on a range of surfaces including grass, 3G (artificial grass) or indoor in a sports hall. It’s important to wear suitable footwear for the surface you are using, for example, trainers for indoor use and the appropriate football boots for outside. Shin pads are also advised when playing with others.
Where can I take part
Football and CP Sport
CP Sport support the National Cerebral Palsy Football League for adults aged 16+. The league is managed by a committee, providing monthly fixtures throughout the season as well as the CP Cup. Winners of the league and the CP cup qualify for the FA Disability Cup. CP Sport are working with County FA’s and clubs to increase more opportunities for junior and female CP players.
The FA lead on the Para Football pathway, running a number of Talent days with County FA’s and partners, through to regional hubs and national emerging talent programme which CP Sport support and promote.
At a competitive level a classification system is used to ensure fairness with the various levels of impairments of players.
Football and CP Sport
CP Sport support the National Cerebral Palsy Football League for adults aged 16+. The league is managed by a committee, providing monthly fixtures throughout the season as well as the CP Cup. Winners of the league and the CP cup qualify for the FA Disability Cup.
The FA lead on the Para Football pathway, running a number of Talent days with County FA’s and partners, through to regional hubs and national emerging talent programme which CP Sport support and promote.
At a competitive level a classification system is used to ensure fairness with the various levels of impairments of players.
Further information
For event information
For local opportunities
For the FA performance pathway
For information on international CP Football
See our latest results
Partnership work with CP Sport
CP Sport works closely with the FA to develop more opportunities for people with cerebral palsy to have access to preferred formats of football. The FA provide guidance and governance for the delivery and support of new developments of the various formats of football. We support with promoting workforce development opportunities through the FA’s coach education programme, and provide specific advice and guidance from a cerebral palsy perspective.
The FA provide funding for the National CP Football Development Officer role within CP Sport, who works with the various County FA’s to develop new opportunities and link in networks and partners at a local level. CP Sport and the FA are working to develop specific opportunities to grow the numbers of young people and adults with cerebral palsy taking part. We are also developing specific hubs to increase female participation.
Further information
For event information
For local opportunities
For the FA performance pathway
For information on international CP Football
See our latest results
Partnership work with CP Sport
CP Sport works closely with the FA to develop more opportunities for people with cerebral palsy to have access to preferred formats of football. The FA provide guidance and governance for the delivery and support of new developments of the various formats of football. We support with promoting workforce development opportunities through the FA’s coach education programme, and provide specific advice and guidance from a cerebral palsy perspective.
The FA provide funding for the National CP Football Development Officer role within CP Sport, who works with the various County FA’s to develop new opportunities and link in networks and partners at a local level. CP Sport and the FA are working to develop specific opportunities to grow the numbers of young people and adults with cerebral palsy taking part. We are also developing specific hubs to increase female participation.
