Flanagan's Football Files

In a recent article, I highlighted the fantastic work being done by Wigan Athletic and their community programme, which helps people with disabilities take part in the Greater Manchester Disability Football League.

That story inspired me to look deeper into how football is supporting inclusion for people with disabilities across the country, and I was both surprised and delighted to discover just how wide-ranging and well-organised these opportunities are.

Thanks to the work of National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) and the Football Association (FA), there are now numerous adapted formats of the game that allow people with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities to enjoy playing competitive football, and most importantly, to feel part of the wider football family.

A Game for Everyone

The NDSOs are a fantastic starting point for anyone with a disability who wants to be more active. They offer tailored advice, coaching, and competition opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.

Across England, there are several impairment-specific versions of football, each designed to remove barriers and provide fair, competitive, and enjoyable footballing experiences. Here are just some of the formats available:

Learning Disability Football

Learning Disability (LD) football is designed specifically for players who have a learning disability. Many participants also play in mainstream or pan-disability teams, but LD-specific football gives them a level playing field to compete confidently.

To be eligible, players must:

• Have an IQ of 75 or below
• Have limited adaptive behaviour (needing support with everyday tasks such as cooking or using public transport)
• Have a learning disability that occurred before the age of 18

There’s a great range of competitions, from 5-a-side to 11-a-side, organised by groups like Mencap and Special Olympics GB, giving players plenty of chances to compete regionally and nationally.

Down’s Syndrome Football

Down’s Syndrome football is generally played in 5-a-side formats, with friendly festivals and tournaments held across England. Because Down’s Syndrome can increase neck fragility, players are advised not to head the ball. Many players also join pan-disability teams, giving them the chance to socialise, play regularly, and build confidence through sport.

Mental Health Football

With one in four adults experiencing a mental health issue each year, football has a growing role to play in supporting mental well-being. Mental health-specific teams and leagues are now well established, offering both competitive and recreational formats, from 5-a-side festivals to 11-a-side fixtures.

The FA provides coaches and clubs with mental health awareness resources to help identify warning signs and support players who may be struggling. This simple but powerful approach helps tackle stigma and keeps the game open, understanding, and compassionate.

Dwarfism Football

Organised by the Dwarf Sports Association UK, this format welcomes players with restricted growth conditions. Many players also take part in pan-disability competitions, proving that physical differences should never limit participation in the sport.

Amputee Football

Amputee football is one of the most technically impressive formats of the game.

In international competitions:

• Outfield players are single-leg amputees (above or below the knee) and play on crutches.

• Goalkeepers are single-arm amputees.
Domestically, players may choose to play with prosthetics, and arm amputees are also able to play outfield.

Amputee Football Rules
• 7v7, on a 60m x 40m pitch
• 25-minute halves
• No offside rule
• Kick-ins replace throw-ins
• No slide tackles or use of limbs/crutches to control the ball

This version of football showcases incredible balance, coordination, and determination, a real example of overcoming adversity through sport.

Cerebral Palsy Football

Cerebral Palsy (CP) football is designed for ambulant players, those who can move without a wheelchair or walking aid. Each player is classified according to the extent of their impairment, from FT1 (most significant) to FT3 (minimal). To keep competition fair, each team must field at least one FT1 player and no more than one FT3 at any time.

CP Football Rules (adapted from FIFA)

• 7v7 on a smaller 75m x 55m pitch
• Two halves of 30 minutes
• No offside rule
• Throw-ins and roll-ins allowed (to support players with hemiplegia)

These adaptations allow players to perform to their best ability while maintaining fairness and inclusivity.

Powerchair Football

Powerchair football opens up the game to players with severe physical impairments, using specially adapted electric wheelchairs fitted with bumpers to hit the ball.

Who can play:

Players are classified as PT1 or PT2, depending on the level of impairment. National and international competitions require at least two PT1 players on the court at all times.

Powerchair Football Rules

• 4v4 format on a 30m x 18m court
• Two 20-minute halves
• No offside, instead, the ‘two-on-one’ rule applies (only one player and one opponent within 3m of the ball)
• Push-ins replace throw-ins
• The ball is larger (33cm diameter)

Powerchair football is fast-paced, skilful, and empowering, often described as one of the most inclusive and exciting disability sports to watch.

Football Truly Is for Everyone

It’s inspiring to see the variety of opportunities available for people with disabilities to enjoy the game we all love. From grassroots to national competition, there is now a format of football to suit virtually every ability and circumstance.
As part of our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) commitment, the Essex Senior Football League fully supports the FA’s vision to make football truly inclusive for all.

The game’s ability to bring people together, regardless of background or ability, continues to be one of its greatest strengths.

Football doesn’t just create players; it builds communities, friendships, and confidence. These examples prove that, more than ever, it really is the people’s game.

J. Flanagan