Over 250 young people took part in the Premier League Disability Football Festivals, hosted last Friday, by West Bromwich Albion. The event brings together players from disability programmes run by more than 65 professional football clubs in Under-11-mixed and 14-16-year-old-mixed age group activities.
Overall, more than 750 participants will be in attendance across Premier League’s three disability football festivals this summer, highlighting the Premier League’s year-round commitment to providing access to football for all. Hosted by Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal, the events offer a space for young people to develop their skills and enjoy the game in an inclusive environment.
“I’m a lifelong Aston Villa fan. I’ve got a season ticket – it’s amazing to play for a club I’ve supported since I was five. I’ve got one eye – I had to have it removed because of a disease when I was very young. I’m also profoundly deaf – I can’t hear at all. I don’t really see it as a disability; I live with it, it makes me who I am, it’s made me more resilient. Football gives me so much meaning in life. It’s a brilliant opportunity. It’s a pathway to meet new people you might become friends with, to play football – which we all love – and today is a really great event, just pure happiness.”
- Jayden – Participant, Aston Villa Foundation
“I’m deaf in both ears, but I only wear one cochlear implant – I don’t wear the other one. Communication is my biggest challenge, but playing football has helped me a lot. Taking part in things like today have changed me as a person. I’m more confident – I have more belief in myself than I used to. It feels like a once in a lifetime experience because I’ve always wanted to represent a club. Even though I’ve got a disability, I know I can still play football.”
- Eshan – Participant, The Albion Foundation
The pan-disability football festivals, delivered by club charities in partnership with the Premier League Charitable Fund, aim to promote inclusion and support young people with disabilities through football. The events provide tailored opportunities for players to develop their skills and confidence in a supportive environment, while catering for those who are neurodivergent and have sensory or physical disabilities.
Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer, Clare Sumner, said: “The Premier League Disability Football Festivals showcase the power of football to bring people together and create inclusive opportunities for all.
“These events give young people the chance to grow their skills, build confidence and connect with others from clubs across England and Wales. More than just a day of football, the festivals help break down barriers and inspire the next generation to believe in their potential, both on and off the pitch.”
The Premier League Disability Football Festivals are a celebration of how the Premier League’s community programmes – Premier League Kicks, Premier League Inspires and Premier League Primary Stars – connect young people aged from five to 18 with football, providing positive opportunities to help them reach their potential.
Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s free national education programme, reaching 1.3 million children a year. It offers curriculum-linked resources across PE, PSHE, English, and Maths – designed to support inclusive, engaging learning for all pupils.
This year’s Premier League Disability Football Festivals will bring together young people for six-a-side games, building on last season’s success, which saw over 450 participants from 50 professional football club charities.
Alongside the matches, players will take part in a variety of activities and workshops designed to support their physical and mental wellbeing.
So far this season, more than 15,000 participants who reported having a disability took part in Premier League programmes funded through the Premier League Charitable Fund.
To find out more about the Premier League’s inclusive community activities, please visit premierleague.com.
