Pan-Disability Football

What is Pan-Disability Football?

Pan-Disability Football is one of the most inclusive formats of the game, welcoming players with a wide range of disabilities to play together. Instead of separating participants by impairment type, it creates opportunities for everyone to enjoy football in the same environment.

Why it Matters

Inclusive by design – players with physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities can all take part.
Focus on ability, not disability – the game is adapted to suit the needs of the group and ensure everyone can participate.
Builds community – players share experiences, develop friendships, and feel part of the wider football family.
Pathway to more – for some, pan-disability football is the first step into the game, leading to recreational, competitive, or impairment-specific opportunities.

The Experience

Sessions are structured to be safe, fun, and flexible, with coaches and volunteers trained to adapt activities to different needs. The emphasis is on enjoyment, teamwork, and creating an environment where everyone feels they belong.

Modified Rules - For players with variety of disabilities

The format of Pan-Disability Football may vary but typically will be small-sided as either 5, 7 or 9-a-side, providing opportunities for players whose disability prevents them from achieving their potential in mainstream or modified football.
‘Ability banding’ helps to groups players and limit the impact of an individuals impairment on performance and outcome of competition.