Disability Football

The IFA's aim is to ensure that all disabled people have the opportunity to take part in football activities and are able to fulfil their potential in the area of their choice.

Disability Football Development Strategy Objectives:

1. To raise the profile and awareness of Disability Football in Northern Ireland

2. To increase the number of disabled performers participating in football activities

3. To improve the quality of training available to disabled performers

4. To establish and develop new and existing competition structures

5. To continue the development of performance pathways and opportunities for elite performers to excel

What We Do

Create coaching, competitive and representative opportunities for people with disabilities to get involved Work with special schools, adult centres, health trusts and disability organisations.

Formed strategic partnerships with many sporting, governmental, educational, healthcare and charitable bodies to create structured opportunities that are sustainable.

We are very much part of the 'Football For All' strategy

Getting Involved

If you would like to get involved in Disability Football as a player, coach or volunteer have a look over the relevant section and make contact with the person in charge. If you have any difficulties or have an enquiry about Disability Football please contact the Disability Football Dept. on 02890 669559 or by e-mail to acrooks@irishfa.com.

Learning Disability
Cerebral Palsy
Visual Impairment
Powerchair

Participation

There are many Disability Football Clubs throughout Northern Ireland that cater for those with a Learning Disability. The majority of these clubs cater for males and females, ages 7 and over and meet on a weekly basis. Please refere to the Club Link for your local opportunity.

Competition

The IFA run Regional Disability Football Leagues and National Disability Cup competitions that are open to all Disability Football Clubs, including those that cater for Learning Disability.

Representation

Northern Ireland Under 19 Learning Disability Squad. Trials are conducted in October each year. The selected squad then prepare Nov – Easter when they play in the annual Home Nations Championships against England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland are the 2015 Champions. To attend a Trial for this squad please register your interest with Team Manager, Alan Crooks acrooks@irishfa.com.

Special Olympics Ulster

Special Olympics Ulster also run a comprehensive Learning Disability Football program. For details on clubs, competitions, volunteering etc please contact Special Olympics Ulster on 028 90 239023 or visit their website www.specialolympics.ie

Mencap

Mencap Northern Ireland also run a Learning Disability Football program. For details on clubs, competitions, volunteering etc please contact Mencap Northern Ireland on 028 90 691351 or vivit their website https://www.mencap.org.uk/northern-ireland

For any queries on Learning Disability Football please contact the IFA Disability Football Department on 07894614324 or by email acrooks@irishfa.com.

Northern Ireland compete in the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football(IFCPF) competition cycle involving Inter-Continental Games, European Championships and World Championships.

Northern Ireland are currently ranked 13^th in the World. http://www.ifcpf.com.

For any queries on Cerebral Palsy Football please contact the IFA Disability Football Department on 07894614324 or by email acrooks@irishfa.com.

Visual Impairment Football runs from September to June each year at Lisburn Leisureplex.

Any person with a Visual Impairment is most welcome to come along. The Junior section (7-14 years) runs from 10.00am–11.00am on Saturday mornings and the Senior section (15 years and over) from 7pm–8pm on Wednesday nights. The cost per session is £2.

Lisburn Rovers VI Football Club are the current UK Visual Impairment Championship League Champions and are currently competing in the UK Visual Impairment Premiership League.

New players with a Visual Impairment are very welcome to come and join the club at Lisburn Leisureplex.

If you are interested or need further information contact: Mal Donaghy, Irish FA Development Officer Disability Football (07894614325 or mdonaghy@irishfa.com).

If you are a Wheelchair User and love Football, come and play a fast, action-packed Game in a Fun environment.

You will get to learn new skills, meet new friends, build confidence and enjoy the beautiful game. Interested? Why not come along to one of Northern Ireland’s Powerchair Football Clubs!