FOOTBALL4ALL – PARAFOOTBALL

Football is an all-inclusive sport, catering for males and females of all ages and importantly, of all abilities.

New Lambton FC actively promotes and supports participation by players of all levels of ability and with special needs.

Football4All was established to further develop the special needs football programs of Northern NSW Football and to create a support network for volunteers, coaches, parents and players who are involved in special needs football.

Football4all club programs offer the opportunity for players to enjoy participation in a fun, safe and less competitive football environment.

Football4All focuses on participation through physical activity, player interaction, activities and social enjoyment of the game.

What is Para Football?

Also referred to as 7-a-side, Para Football is a modified version of the game and is specific to athletes with Cerebral Palsy, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and symptoms resulting from stroke. This football format is coordinated under the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) rules with slight modifications.

Para Football was introduced to the Paralympics during the 1984 New York Games. Originally called Cerebral Palsy football the sport now includes athletes with other brain injuries and similar conditions. In Australia the sport began in 1998 with the Cerebral Palsy Australian Sport & Recreation Federation (CPASRF) and Paralympics Australia (then Australian Paralympic Committee) decided to for a 7-aside football team to compete at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics.

The sport, which is for those with cerebral palsy, is similar to football for able-bodied players with a few modifications. There are seven players on the field at a time rather than 11, the measurements of the playing field are smaller, there is no offside rule and throw-ins may be made with just one hand. Matches consist of two halves of 30 minutes each.

Modifications for Para Football

  • A player may choose to roll the ball into play. If rolled into play the ball must touch the ground immediately once it has left the players hand (within approx. 1m)
  • The match lasts two equal periods of 30 minutes
  • Field of play dimensions: 70m x 50m
  • A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than seven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start with less than 4 players
  • Within the 60 minutes of normal time, a maximum of five (5) substitutes may be made within a maximum of three opportunities in any match
  • The offside rule does not apply in CP Football

Thriving under the umbrella of New Lambton Football Club, ParaFootball is committed to ensuring that football is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. The program focuses on participation, physical activity, and social enjoyment, providing a less competitive atmosphere where players can thrive.
The club’s dedication to diversity and inclusion is evident in its policies and programs.

ParaFootball continues to exemplify the power of sport in bringing communities together, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for all.

For more information or to get involved with ParaFootball, interested parties can visit their official Facebook page here:

To find out about ParaFootball, contact us at: info@newlambtonfcjuniors.org.au

Some useful links: