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.

In our County we believe in flexible, inclusive, and accessible playing opportunities for everyone. We are committed to delivering and coordinating a range of football opportunities for players with a disability to access at various levels across the county. In Norfolk we have a number core of providers with disability football provision.

Norwich City Community Sports Foundation Disability Programme

Since 2003, CSF have been delivering sporting opportunities for adults and children with disabilities. Now supported by premier league kicks funding and foundation fundraising, CSF deliver a variety of football sessions aimed at developing sporting and social skills such as self-esteem, teamwork and confidence. These sessions are led by experienced FA qualified coaches.

Below is a detailed list of their current provision…

• Pan Disability Soccer Skill Centre – Children (ages 7–16), Tuesdays @ The Nest.
• Pan Disability Soccer Skill Centre – Children (ages 7-16), Thursdays @ Carrow Park.
• Pan Disability Soccer Skill Centre – Adults (ages 16+) Thursdays @ Carrow Park.
• Pan Disability Mini Kickers Sessions – Children (ages 4-6), Saturdays @ The Nest.
• Downs Syndrome Soccer Skill Centre – Children and Adults (ages 6+), Saturdays @ The Nest.
• Impairment Specific Soccer Skill Centre – Children and Adults (6+), Fridays @ Carrow Park. (Impairments specific refers to participants with cerebral palsy, impaired hearing, or impaired vision).

CSF also have several representative squads, experiencing tours, football festivals and competitive league fixtures. Representative squad recruitment takes place within the several skill centres offered by CSF, in which coaches identify players and make recommendations.

CSF Disability Representative Squads include…

• CSF Disability Player Development Centre (PDC) U12s.
• CSF Disability Player Development Centre (PDC) U17s.
• CSF Disability Player Development Centre (PDC) Adult Championship.
• CSF Disability Player Development Centre (PDC) Adult Premiership.
• Norwich City Powerchair Football Team.
• Cerebral Palsy National Team.

Kings Lynn Community Football

Kings Lynn Community Football provide football provision for children and adults with a range of disabilities in the form of their Alive Ability Counts Football Club. This club allows individuals with a range of learning and physical disabilities the chance to socialise and keep active through a safe and friendly football programme, led by experienced FA qualified coaches. Below are the details of the sessions they offer…

• Alive Ability Counts Club (Pan Disability) – Children (ages 6-16), Saturdays @ Lynnsport Leisure Park.
• Alive Ability Counts Club (Pan Disability) – Adults (ages 16+), Saturdays @ Lynnsport Leisure Park.

Heacham Ability Counts Football Club

Heacham Ability Counts Football Club offer children and adults with various disabilities the opportunity to develop a range of skills through organised football sessions in the Kings Lynn region. Starting in 2020 they have now established a successful set up, utilising great facilities and FA qualified and DBS checked coaches. Below are the details of the sessions they offer...

• Ability Counts Club (Pan Disability) – Children (ages 6-16), Sundays @ Heacham Football Club.
• Ability Counts Club (Pan Disability) – Adults (ages 16+), Weekly on alternating Fridays and Sundays @ Heacham Football Club.

Active Norfolk

All to Play For is a weekly socially inclusive drop-in football programme for men struggling with poor mental health, which has made a significant and positive impact on the lives of participants. It is open for anyone to join, and completely free. At each session, mental health professionals and local support services are present to offer assistance and guidance for those who want to access it. For anyone 18+. Below are the details of the sessions they offer…

• All to Play For (Norwich) – Adults (18+), Mondays @ Open Academy.
• All to Play For (Kings Lynn) – Adults (18+), Tuesdays @ Alive Lynnsport.
• All to Play For (Gt. Yarmouth) – Adults (18+), Wednesdays @ The Wellesley.
• All to Play For (Norwich) – Adults (18+), Wednesdays @ theFDC.
• All to Play For (Norwich) – Adults (18+), Thursdays @ GOALS.

If you, or somebody you know, would like to get involved in disability football within Norfolk in any manner, please contact Jamie.Bennett@NorfolkFA.com for further information.