With the 2026 FIFA World Cup getting underway today and millions of people inspired by the game, Access Sport is encouraging more disabled people to consider how they can get involved in disability football — whether that’s playing, coaching or volunteering in their local community. A new partnership with The Football Association aims to break down barriers to participation and create more inclusive pathways into grassroots football for disabled people across England.
Launched in April 2026, this 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 in volunteering, increasing the number of volunteers in the disability football pathway, and creating 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.
Read: An Award-Winning Grassroots Coach Shares The Benefits Of Volunteering In Disability Football
Strengthening volunteering in grassroots football
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 the confidence of clubs, in quality volunteer experiences, and in whether disabled people see football as a welcoming and accessible space for them.
Opening doors to disability football
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 play opportunities that reflect local needs and remove barriers to participation.
Read: FIFA Launches Toolkit To Boost Disability Football Worldwide
Helen Rowbotham, Chief Executive at Access Sport, commented:
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots football, but disabled people face multiple barriers to getting involved. 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.”
James Kendall, Director of Football Development at The Football Association, commented:
“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.
“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.”
Interested in getting involved in this work? Complete this form to get in touch, or email Info@AccessSport.org.uk.