Eligibility & Membership Policy

Worcestershire Disability Football Club

Worcestershire Disability Football Club (WDFC) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where people of all abilities can enjoy football.

We aim to make football accessible to as many people as possible while ensuring that we meet the eligibility requirements set by The Football Association (The FA), disability football competition organisers and relevant sporting organisations when entering competitive fixtures and leagues.

To support this, WDFC has three categories of membership:

• Player

• Coach

• Associate

Player Membership

A Player Member is someone who has a disability or additional need that impacts their ability to participate in mainstream football.

This may include individuals with:

• Physical disabilities

• Learning disabilities

• Intellectual disabilities

• Neurodivergent conditions

• Other recognised impairments or support needs

The club follows the principles of the Equality Act 2010, where a disability is generally defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term impact on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

For competitive football, players may also need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the relevant league or competition organiser. WDFC will work with players, families and carers to ensure the correct pathway and opportunities are provided.

WDFC reserves the right to consider each individual's circumstances to ensure that membership is appropriate, inclusive and supports the player's needs.

Inclusive Player Eligibility

At Worcestershire Disability Football Club, we recognise that some children and young people may not yet have a formal diagnosis, Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or identified additional need. This does not prevent them from joining our club.

If a child or young person finds mainstream football challenging due to their individual needs, confidence, communication, social interaction, physical ability or other barriers, they are welcome to come and be part of our inclusive football environment.

Our aim is to provide every player with the opportunity to enjoy football, develop skills, build friendships and feel valued as part of a team. We will work with players, parents and carers to understand individual needs and ensure they are supported in the most appropriate pathway within the club.

Coach Membership

A Coach Member is someone who supports the development of players through coaching, training sessions, match support and club activities.

Coach Members:

• Support players to develop football skills and confidence.

• Help create a safe, positive and inclusive environment.

• Commit to The FA safeguarding requirements.

• Complete appropriate FA training and qualifications.

• Hold the required DBS checks where their role requires this.

Coach membership is open to both disabled and non-disabled individuals who share the values of the club.

Associate Membership

An Associate Member is someone who wishes to support Worcestershire Disability Football Club but is not registered as a player or coach.

Associate Members may support the club through:

• Helping at training sessions.

• Supporting players and teams.

• Assisting with events and activities.

• Supporting the wider running of the club.

Associate membership is open to both disabled and non-disabled individuals.

Where required, Associate Members may need to complete safeguarding requirements, including DBS checks.

Associates who wish to progress into coaching may be supported to undertake FA coaching qualifications and move into a coaching role.

Friends, Family and Supporters

WDFC welcomes support from families, friends and members of the wider community.

A friend or family member who wishes to support a player at occasional sessions may do so with agreement from the coaching team. However, they would not be eligible to participate as a player in official competitive fixtures unless they meet the competition eligibility criteria.

Individuals who wish to become regularly involved with sessions are encouraged to join as an Associate Member, allowing them to support the club in a structured way and complete appropriate safeguarding requirements where necessary.

Non-Disabled Players & Inclusion

WDFC promotes inclusion, respect and positive relationships between disabled and non-disabled people.

While our competitive teams must follow disability football eligibility rules, we recognise the importance of creating opportunities for people to learn, volunteer and support disability football.

Non-disabled individuals who wish to become involved may be invited to attend training sessions, subject to club approval and appropriate safeguarding measures. They may then be encouraged to become Associate Members or progress into volunteering and coaching roles.

Our Commitment

Worcestershire Disability Football Club believes football is for everyone. We are committed to removing barriers, encouraging participation and providing opportunities for players, coaches, volunteers and families to be part of an inclusive football community.

Everyone involved with WDFC is expected to uphold our values of:

• Respect

• Inclusion

• Equality

• Teamwork

• Safeguarding

• Enjoyment of football