FA aims to be ‘beacon for society’ as it reveals first disability football plan

• Pledge to increase participation by 50% in three years
• Elite pathway to be expanded but emphasis also on fun

The Football Association has pledged to increase the number of people playing disability football in England by 50% in three years, as it announced its first plan to support the game.

Currently 4.5% of people with disabilities play football, fewer than the 5.9% who play golf. The FA’s Football Your Way plan intends to create 2,800 new opportunities to engage in the game – from greater provision at schools to a new “recreational football offer” for adults. It also has broader ambitions to change the culture around football and disability.