The University’s commitment to disability sport has been underlined by a new partnership with the English Football Association.

The Department of Sport and Physical Recreation at Nottingham will work as a regional centre with the FA to develop opportunities for disabled footballers whatever their experience or ability. Athletic Union clubs will be encouraged to become more inclusive and coaching workshops will be available to staff and students. An England Talent Day will be run to help the FA unearth gifted players and the University will continue to work alongside BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) to establish a national football league.

Disability Sports Officer Hannah Webber said the University has had a good working relationship with football’s national governing body and added she was confident that the partnership will further enhance the University’s sports for all ethos.

She said: “We are looking to develop opportunities for disabled students from the casual to the more competitive player. We’d like to see more people get involved and enjoy the numerous benefits that football can offer. This step forward by BUCS, the FA and the University, will also help to raise greater awareness of disability sport in Higher Education and further enhance the reputation of Nottingham, as one of the market leaders in this field.”

While the introduction of a national competition is still a few years away, the partnership with the FA represents another significant step forward in developing more competitive opportunities and choice for disabled students.

The link with the FA will also help the University to continue to encourage participation through initiatives such as Any-Body Days, Nu2 Sport and the Intra Mural Sport league, which boasts around 100 teams and is the largest in the UK.

Hannah continued: “Ultimately, we want to create a positive sporting experience for as many people as we can at the University by creating an inclusive sporting model.”