Disability
There has never been a better time to get involved and play football, whatever your ability level. There are now more opportunities than ever to play football if you have a disability.
Within Kent our disability programme has continued to grow, and we are always looking for ways to expand and develop the provision available within the county.
Football is a game for all, and opportunities should be available and accessible to anyone who wishes to participate. There are opportunities across Kent for players of any age and ability to participate in the game, whether that be at more recreational centred clubs and sessions or clubs and teams with a more competitive focus.
Kent Disability League
The Kent Disability League has gone from strength to strength since its creation in 2005. With its own independent committee, the league has continued to grow, offering provision for adults and youth players, right down to U8 due to the 4-year age banding rule for disability football. The league hosts several fixtures days throughout the season, which provides competitive pan-disability opportunities for clubs across Kent.
The League won the Kent FA Grassroots League of the Year Award in 2019 and in 2020 it was granted charity status.
For further information about the League please click here
DISABILITY CLUBS AND SESSIONS
Kent is home to many disability teams and clubs. The volunteers within these clubs work tirelessly to provide opportunities for those with impairments to play the game within Kent. Most Kent clubs involved in disability football offer pan-disability provision. Pan-Disability is the integration of disabilities to play in a single format of football which is then divided into ability banded football.
Some clubs offer impairment specific provision too, such as provision for those with a hearing impairment or physical impairment, so there are a number of deaf friendly and powerchair sessions across the county too.
For more information or to find a team to join, please see our disability football club and session map below
Find a Disability football club near you
England Para Talent Pathway
The England Para Talent Pathway is an opportunity for talented players with impairments to progress to local and regional development opportunities and possibly even further opportunities to represent and be a part of England squads. The three main stages of the pathway are:
FA Disability Talent Hub - the first step on the pathway aimed at complementing current club activities and games
FA Regional Emerging Talent Camp Programme - the next step, offering an enhanced level of player support to aid development
FA National Emerging Talent Camp - the final stage of the pathway which aims to identify players suitable for national representation.
Find Out More Here
Being an Inclusive Club
Sometimes, there are areas where clubs and coaches can make small adaptations or changes that may help to make the environment they operate within more inclusive, which can make a huge difference to someone who plays football and has an impairment.