As a bid to ‘support and motivate’ disabled people who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, the FA is launching a new campaign to help disabled players return to the sport. The initiative named Football Your Way, is dedicated to providing not just one route but supporting individual journeys.
A key part of this campaign is to inspire disabled footballers to return to the pitch, feeling confident and empowered to take part in football-based activities. This comes after the FA has highlighted that over 9.4 million people are disabled, in research spearheaded by the Activity Alliance, a national charity devoted to disabled people in sport and activity.
England Football, the new home of the FA’s participation and the grassroots game has recognised the difficulty that disabled people may have to return to a sport they love. The FA’s Director of Women’s Football and the Strategic Lead for disability Football said:
“As restrictions across the country lift, everyone’s individual journey back to physical activity will be different and the Football your Way campaign has been created to offer guidance to return to football at their own pace and in their own circumstances.”
The FA is working alongside Cake, the sport, entertainment and culture hub of Havas UK to inspire disabled footballers with a ‘3 step challenge’. The initiative puts them in the drivers’ seat, allowing them to choose and define three steps that can help them return to the pitch.
James Kendall, The FA’s Director of Football Development said:
“This past year has been challenging, not just for football across society. We know that grassroots football has the power to change people’s lives for the better and the Football Your Way campaign will help to encourage disabled footballers back onto the pitch and playing the game they love.”
To follow this campaign or to find out more, see here.
