UEFA Grassroots Week: Building an inclusive future for disabled players across Europe

We all know that football is more than a game – it’s a community, a passion and a source of belonging.

UEFA and our 55 national associations are working to ensure that this community is open to everyone, including the 100 million people across Europe living with disabilities. For the first time, every national association now has a disability football action plan, marking a unified commitment to inclusion and access.

This collective momentum is being driven by grassroots innovation, strategic partnerships, and award-winning programmes that are transforming the football landscape for disabled players. Two standout examples come from Denmark and England, recipients of UEFA Grassroots Awards for their disability football initiatives in 2024 and 2025.

Denmark: Creating a team for everyone

The Danish Football Association (DBU) has made significant strides through its initiative "A Part of the Team", which, alongside the Parasport Denmark organisation, aims to offer disabled children and young people the same opportunities to play football as their peers.

One of its key success stories is the integration of disabled participants into the DBU Football Schools initiative, which hosts around 25,000 children each year.

This summer, four clubs involved in A Part of the Team hosted dedicated DBU Football Schools for disabled children during the school holidays. The response was overwhelmingly positive – from both clubs and participants– and the DBU is committed to expanding these targeted camps in the coming years.

"Many children have never joined a football camp before, because they didn't fit into a regular one," explains Ilknur Kekec Coban, head of coaching at Høje Taastrup Parasport. "Here, we create a framework that allows them to feel included and be part of a community… We truly feel that we succeeded in creating one team and one camp for everyone."

These camps are not just about football – they’re about belonging, joy and creating safe spaces where every child can thrive.

England: Empowering clubs to champion inclusion

The English FA has taken a strategic approach to disability inclusion through two flagship programmes.

Launched in 2024, Comets is a fun, safe, and inclusive football initiative for disabled children aged 5–11. Last season, the FA delivered 273 Comets sessions across 230 grassroots clubs, with the aim to reach 600 sessions per year by 2028.

Meanwhile, the Journey to Inclusion Training programme is equipping clubs with the tools and confidence to be more inclusive. Since January 2024, 47 workshops have reached 954 attendees from 553 clubs. impact data shows significant increases in confidence, competence, knowledge and motivation among participants to include disabled people in their programmes.

"Offering provision of disability football was always on our radar as a club, but we didn’t really know where to start," explains Richmond Rovers FC secretary Chris Stacey. "I went to the workshop and came away thinking 'this is something I can do'. To other coaches and clubs, I would say go along and get the information, see what it's about and whether it's something that you can then offer. If you do, it will be rewarding for yourself, the children and for your club."

As of June 2025, 515 new disability football opportunities – either in teams or Comets sessions – have been created by clubs who have attended the training. This accounts for 21 per cent of all disability football opportunities in England and a 29 per cent increase since the programme began.

The FA’s approach demonstrates how targeted training and grassroots engagement can drive systemic change and open doors for thousands of disabled players.

"Our new Disability Training for Clubs workshop is very much targeting and written for grassroots clubs to help them become more inclusive," says Phil Heap, the FA's national disability pathway development manager. "It's about having a really positive effect on people's lives, which our grassroots clubs do all the time. We just want to extend that to disabled people as well."

These case studies from Denmark and England reflect a broader movement across UEFA’s member national associations: one that prioritises access, celebrates diversity and ensures that football truly is for everyone.

With national action plans now in place, and grassroots programmes gaining momentum, the future of inclusive football in Europe looks brighter than ever.

UEFA Grassroots Week: A Europe-wide celebration

Now in its 15th edition, UEFA Grassroots Week features hundreds of festivals and grassroots activities taking place across the continent.

Coinciding with the European Week of Sport, Grassroots Week highlights the importance of ensuring that everyone, everywhere has the chance to play football. It celebrates the millions who play purely for the love of the game – reminding us that every child can dream, play and be inspired through football, regardless of their background or ability.

"UEFA Grassroots Week celebrates the journeys of players at every stage, from their very first kick of a ball in schools or local clubs to developing the skills, confidence, and love of the game that can last a lifetime," explains UEFA chief of football development, Olivier Doglia. "It also recognises the commitment of coaches and volunteers who create environments where every player feels safe, supported, and able to grow.

"Grassroots is where football begins – in clubs, schools, and communities, and this week we honour those who give every player the chance to play, learn and enjoy the game."