New Disability Volunteering Pathway in Grassroots Football

National charity Access Sport has announced it is working in partnership with The Football Association to strengthen disability inclusion in grassroots football through volunteering.

The two‑year project is designed to grow and diversify the network of volunteers who support the delivery of grassroots football.

 It will focus on boosting the representation of disabled people to volunteer, grow the number of volunteers in the disability football pathway and create new, inclusive opportunities for disabled people to play football.

The project will run through to August 2028.

The initiative will initially focus on five locations linked to existing Access Sport programmes: Birmingham, Bristol, Greater London, Greater Manchester and Sheffield.

The project aims to support grassroots clubs and community organisations to become more inclusive, confident and sustainable by improving how they recruit, support and retain volunteers. Access Sport will also work with communities to create new disability inclusive football opportunities.

Success will be measured not just in numbers, but in a marked shift in perception in the confidence of clubs, quality volunteer experiences, and whether disabled people see football as a welcoming and accessible space for them.

Dedicated Volunteer Coordinators funded by The FA will be based in each location, working closely with grassroots clubs, disability charities, education settings, health services and local community groups. By working directly in communities, they will proactively deliver inclusive volunteer and playing opportunities that reflect local needs and remove barriers to participation.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots football, but disabled people face multiple barriers to getting involved,” said Helen Rowbotham, Chief Executive at Access Sport.

“Just as importantly, disabled young people continue to lack access to inclusive football opportunities in their local communities. This collaboration with The FA represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and representative grassroots football system. 

“Working alongside clubs and community organisations, we will create inclusive volunteering pathways that are supportive, meaningful and sustainable.”

Through the programme, Access Sport and The FA aim to:

·        Support 300 volunteers into disability football across five locations

·        Support at least 30 new disabled people into football volunteering roles

·        Create over 25 inclusive disability football opportunities through community engagement

·   Work with England Football Accredited Clubs and leagues to develop sustainable volunteer plans

·      Provide learning and development opportunities for volunteers in both on‑ and off‑pitch roles

“Our ambition is to ensure every disabled person has the opportunity to enjoy football in a way that works for them – whether that’s playing the game or volunteering within it,” said James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The Football Association.

“As we work towards growing disability football participation across England, projects like this with Access Sport are vital. Expanding opportunities for disabled players starts with building a strong network of volunteers, coaches and local providers who can deliver inclusive sessions and create welcoming environments where more people can experience the game.”

To find out more visit https://www.accesssport.org.uk/ or email Info@AccessSport.org.uk