Introduction to Coaching Disabled Footballers

Course structure

1. Introduction

This topic will help you to:   

• Develop a better understanding of disability and disability football.  
• Understand The FA’s philosophy for disability football.  
• Reflect on socially acceptable terminology.  
• Support players to consider different pathways to meet their individual needs. 

2. Good coaching practice

This topic will help you to:   

• Recognise good coaching practice.   
• Understand how good coaching practice aligns to The FA’s objectives.  
• Understand the importance of getting to know your players.
• Use STEP (Youth Sports Trust, 2002) and the AIM model to adapt your coaching practice to meet players' needs. 

3. Considerations when coaching

This topic will help you to:   

• Create a safe environment for the players you coach.
• Develop a basic understanding of some common impairments you may come across.
• Recognise the different formats of the game for each impairment group.
• Understand who you’re working with and adapt your coaching to meet players’ needs.
• Understand coaching considerations based on the impairment and format of the game. 

4. Theory into practice

This topic will help you to:   

• Apply coaching tips and ideas to support the inclusion of disabled footballers.
• Manage behaviour and emotions when coaching football.
• Build an inclusive, positive coaching environment.