Para Football Supporting the Development of Frame Football
Para Football Supporting the Development of Frame Football
Bringing together key stakeholders of Frame Football, Para Football seeks to grow worldwide opportunities and awareness.
How Frame Football Began?
In England, in 2014, parents came together with a simple idea, to give their children the chance to play. There were no expectations, no defined pathways, just a shared belief that football should be for everyone. What started as small gatherings quickly became something much more powerful. Children who had never had the opportunity to take part in the game were suddenly on the pitch. Moving, competing, laughing, and belonging.
It was never just about football. It was about inclusion. It was about creating a space where every player mattered.
Para Football is collaborating with key stakeholders to support the development of Frame Football. This next stage is a continuation of a shared mission: to open the game to more people, in more places.
So, why Frame Football, and why now?
Frame Football has grown into an innovative and inclusive format of the game since its first founding event in 2014. It’s designed for players with physical impairments, including cerebral palsy, stroke, and acquired brain injuries. Using walkers or gait training equipment, players are able to take part in a safe, structured, and empowering environment.
The game itself has been thoughtfully developed. Played in a 5-a-side format, with two equal halves of 20 minutes, and on a smaller pitch similar to futsal, Frame Football ensures greater accessibility, more touches on the ball, and a faster, more engaging experience for all involved.
But beyond the format and structure, the essence of Frame Football remains unchanged. It is still about the people. The families. The communities that continue to bring it to life.
By 2019, that same vision had begun to take shape beyond England. Japan’s very first frame football workshop took place at Esperanza’s E’s Cafe where the event kicked off with a theory introduction before moving onto a training session and match. Over the next three days, kids, adult members, and coaches came together not just to learn the game but to experience it. What unfolded was a shared moment of discovery where confidence grew, connections were formed, and the simple joy of playing the game took center stage.
"Being invited to Japan to deliver a Frame Football workshop was a real privilege. Esperanza have developed incredible partnerships because of the energy and belief they pour into the sport, and that's what this game does. It brings amazing people together and inspires everyone around them to want to be part of something bigger." Sam Turner
Malta Inclusion in Football Festival
Meanwhile, Malta has demonstrated the sport’s impact through community led initiatives supported by targeted government funding and local football organisations. Rather than focusing primarily on technical structures, Malta’s approach centers on accessibility and social inclusion, creating opportunities for children and young athletes to engage in the sport regardless of ability level. Events such as the annual Inclusion Football Festival have played a key role in raising awareness, bringing together players, families, and stakeholders to showcase the value of Para Football at the grassroots level.
With Para Football driving its next phase, Frame Football is set to expand further with a continued focus on raising awareness, strengthening grassroots development, and increasing global participation.
In the words of the late Richard Seedhouse, founder of Frame Football Foundation,
“The only frame that should stop you from scoring is a goal frame.” Richard Seedhouse
