York City Football Club Foundation expands its disability programmes to empower more individuals and families across York to engage in sport.
York City Football Club Foundation is proud to announce the expansion of its disability football programmes, offering more opportunities than ever before for children, young people and adults with disabilities to enjoy the game, develop skills and be part of an inclusive football community.
The Foundation, which exists to use the power of football to inspire, support and engage the local community, began directly delivering disability football sessions in York last year, building on previously established programmes. These include Junior Pan Disability, Adult Pan Disability and Cerebral Palsy teams – all of which have now been strengthened and expanded under the Foundation’s wing.
For the 2025/26 season, the offer is growing to include brand new Development Centres, Performance Squads and a dedicated neurodiversity programme, City Juniors ND, ensuring that more players, across a wider age range, can take part in high quality football experiences tailored to their needs. The Adult Pan Disability programme, which had one team last year, has now doubled to two – the Ebors and the Jorviks – giving even more adults the chance to train, compete and be part of York’s thriving disability football community.
From non-competitive skills sessions to competitive league play, the expanded programme offers something for everyone. The new U12 and U16 Development Centres are designed for players who want to improve their football skills in a supportive environment without the pressure of matches. The Adult Pan Disability teams, the Ebors and Jorviks, provide opportunities for players aged 16+ to compete in tournaments including the County Cup and Ability Counts League. Meanwhile, the Foundation’s Cerebral Palsy team continues to compete at the highest national level in the CP National League, representing York with pride.
The brand-new City Juniors ND sessions will give neurodivergent individuals aged 8–12, with a formal diagnosis, the opportunity to develop confidence, motor skills and football techniques in a safe, fun and non-competitive setting, with a focus on individual progress at each player’s own pace.
Steph Aksel, Inclusion Officer at York City FC Foundation, said: “This expansion is about more than football. It is about opening doors, breaking down barriers and creating a space where every player feels valued. I have seen first-hand the joy, confidence and friendships that grow when people are given the chance to play, whatever their ability. York is a city with a big heart, and our disability programmes are a shining example of how sport can unite us all.”
In total, the expanded programme now offers seven different disability football pathways, making it one of the most comprehensive in the region. The Foundation also works closely with schools, local clubs and partner organisations to ensure football is accessible and affordable for all.
If you are interested in booking a place for your son or daughter at the Junior Pan Disability Development Centres, the new Skills Centre for young people with neurodiversities, or in arranging a trial for one of the adult teams, please contact: [email protected].
