There are a number of clubs across the county that cater specifically for players with disabilities, these are the Ability Counts Clubs. Manchester FA is committed to working with the Ability Counts Clubs, league, schools and associated disability organisations to ensure that all players have a positive experience within the game and a clear pathway for progression.
There are a number of ways that, as a player, you can Get Into Football through the following;
Ability Counts Clubs:
The Ability Counts Clubs were established specifically for players with disabilities to cater for your playing needs. All of these clubs have shown a commitment to providing opportunities for disabled people to take part in coaching and competitive football and are the hub for disability football in their local area.
Greater Manchester Ability Counts League:
The Ability Counts league is for players with a disability who want to play football. The league has adult and junior football matches, and caters for all levels of ability. Fixtures are held approximately once a month during the season, with teams from across the County. The Greater Manchester Ability Counts League is unique in that it has teams from clubs within the community and also from professional clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton. There is an excellent level of football for young people and adults. The league aims to provide a positive experience and opportunities into the disability player pathway. Contact details can be found here League Contacts
Excellence Programme:
As a player, if you want to strive to be the best within the game then there is a structured pathway to aid your development . The Disability Player Development Centre caters for male players between the age of 12-16 years and represent; Cerebral Palsy, Visual Impaired, Deaf / Hearing Impaired, Amputee (leg & arm) and Learning Disabilities.
The centres run throughout the core part of the season on an annual basis, with the aim being to develop your technical ability and guide you to the next step within your football pathway be it through a club, impairment specific programme or within a disability group.
Disability Football Coaching Sessions:
Please click on the 'upcoming events' box to the right of this page to download a spreadsheet of all the latest disabilty football coaching sessions in the local area.
If you are a parent, club or volunteer and require further assistance please do not hesitate to contact our Foootball Development Team by phoning 0161 203 2990 option 2.
