More ways to play for Para Footballers
As Para Football we believe that players with disabilities should be able to choose the way they want to play and interact with the game of football. Walking football has been developing in England, and worldwide, as a format of football supporting people to be included in the game where previously mobility challenges may have left them feeling excluded.
Playing the same beautiful game, but walking instead of running, presents an opportunity for players with disabilities who have been left feeling they cannot play due to mobility challenges or other reasons, to see if this format presents a way they want to play.
Para Football is a new foundation and world body registered in the Netherlands. The vision of Para Football is ‘Football for all persons with disabilities’ and its mission is to ‘Ensure opportunity for persons with disabilities to participate on an equal basis with others in football’.
Sam Turner, Co-Founder of Para Football said about the partnership:
“For persons with disabilities, the opportunities to play football are often very few or can inaccessible. We aim to support everyone involved in delivering the beautiful game to make it a more accessible and positive place for all to be part of football. Walking football provides a modified football opportunity which may provide the ideal option for some players with disabilities to get involved in the sport.”
The International Walking Football Federation are the leading international ambassadors for the sport of Walking Football and are dedicated to empowering persons with impairment or mobility challenges to play football constantly whilst promoting total inclusion for all.
IWFF President Alan Rose shared his excitement about working with Para Football:
“The partnership has come at an exciting time for the recently restructured IWFF. Myself and the IWFF Council are looking forward to demonstrating and maintaining our commitment by supporting and promoting Para Football at both National and International Walking Football Tournaments. I am keen to meet you all (hopefully) very soon.”
Para Football and IWFF aim to work together on a number of initiatives to make Walking Football inclusive and attractive to players with disabilities, and also promote Para Football through the worldwide walking football community. The many synergies between the two organisations opens a platform for collaboration where our shared passion for inclusive football opportunities will ensure every player feels they are welcome to participate in the game in the way they choose.
Click here to find out more about the International Walking Football Federation (IWFF)
