Level Playing Fields: The Story of CP Sport and Inclusive Football
Championing Inclusion: CP Sport and the National Cerebral Palsy Football League
Cerebral Palsy Sport (CP Sport) is the national disability sport organisation empowering people with cerebral palsy to enjoy sport and physical activity at all levels. Incorporated in 2001, CP Sport provides inclusive opportunities that help children, young people, and adults get active, learn new skills, and connect with others through sport. Sporting activities include:
Athletics, Badminton, Boccia, Cricket, Cycling, Equestrian, Football, Frame Football, Frame Running, Golf, Gymnastics, Netball, Snooker, Swimming, Table Cricket, Tennis, Wheelchair basketball, Wheelchair rugby, Table tennis.
Building a Strong Community for CP Athletes
CP Sportās mission is to make sport accessible for people with cerebral palsy and similar neurological conditions. Their programmes are competitive but inclusive, offering clear pathways from grassroots participation to national competition.
By working with clubs, coaches, and families, CP Sport helps athletes of all abilities develop confidence, independence, and friendships through physical activity. Collaboration and inclusion are at the heart of everything they do ā bringing together individuals with CP, stroke survivors, and those with acquired or traumatic brain injuries to share the love of sport.
The National Cerebral Palsy Football League 2025ā26
CP Sport supports the National Cerebral Palsy Football League, which provides structured opportunities for ambulant players aged 16 and above who have cerebral palsy, a stroke, or an acquired/traumatic brain injury.
The competition includes:
- National League ā a national competition for established clubs for players of all ages (above 16) and abilities
- Development League ā offering playing experience and progression opportunities for developing teams
According to CP Sport, ambulant players are those able to walk without a walking aid or a wheelchair. The leagues welcome players from across England, supported by regional hubs and The FAās para-football pathways.
Fixtures & Events for 2025
CP Sport has confirmed that the 2025 fixture schedule and teams for both The National League and Development League is now available. You can also see the current league standing after the first few fixtures. The National League is this year joined by new teams, including Tottenham Hotspur, South-West CP and Sutton United CP. A key event this year includes the Southbury Leisure Centre from 1pm-5pm.
Teams include:
National League Teams | Development League Teams |
Brighton & Hove Albion | Bristol Cerebral Palsy |
South West CP Development | Newcastle United Foundation |
York City FoundationĀ | CP United |
Tottenham Hotspur | South West CP Development |
Burton Albion | Ā |
Chelsea Yellows | Ā |
Chelsea FoundationĀ | Ā |
Sutton Cerebral Palsy | Ā |
West Bromwich Albion | Ā |
Norwich Foundation | Ā |
As well as this, the National CP Cup, sponsored by Brain Injury Group, is set to be another key highlight of the season.
The Cup helps raise the profile of CP-football and provides a competitive, inclusive showcase for adult players with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or stroke. The CP Cup takes place in May at the famous St Georgeās Park, home to England national teams. The winners of the CP Cup will play the winners of the CP National League in the FA Disability Cup which takes place in June, also at St George’s Park.Ā
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National Frame Football League 2025ā26
The Frame Football League is an adapted format of the game designed for players who require a walking frame to take part. It provides a safe, inclusive, and competitive environment for children and young people with cerebral palsy and related conditions to enjoy football at all ability levels.
Each match is played between two teams of frame users ā typically 3v3 to 5v5 ā on smooth, hard surfaces such as wooden or artificial pitches, using lightweight futsal balls. The game follows adapted Laws of the Game, developed in line with the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to ensure accessibility and safety.
Frame Football is open to players within the Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IIāIV, meaning it welcomes participants who need a frame to walk or run. It encourages teamwork, confidence, and enjoyment while ensuring the sport remains truly inclusive.
Verified teams competing in the upcoming National Frame Football League season include:
- Newcastle United Foundation (Northumberland ā U12s & U16s)
- Little Victories in the Community (Lincolnshire ā U8s, U12s & U16s)
- Ā Ipswich Town Foundation (Suffolk ā U8s, U12s & U16s)
- Summertown Stars AFC (Oxfordshire ā U8s & U12s)
- Ā Fulham FC Foundation (Surrey ā U8s, U12s & U16s)
- Ā Kingās Hill (Kent ā U12s)
- Ā Baypoint (Kent ā U16s & Open)
- Ā Beacon Hill (Surrey ā U12s & U16s)
- Brislington FC (Somerset ā U16s)
Each club provides opportunities for young people to experience the excitement, teamwork, and community spirit of football in a safe, supportive environment ā one that celebrates ability and inclusion above all else.
Brain Injury Group Sponsorship
Over the past 18 months, Brain Injury Group has proudly supported CP Sport through a series of key sponsorships ā including the 2024 National Athletics Championships, the 2024/2025 National Football League, and the CP Cup. We are honoured to continue this partnership as the headline sponsor for the 2025/2026 season and the 2026 CP Cup.
Our commitment to CP Sport stems from a shared belief in inclusion, equality, and opportunity for all. Beyond financial support, our involvement helps ensure that our holistic services are available to athletes and their families, fostering wellbeing both on and off the field.
At the Brain Injury Group, we deliver a comprehensive range of services designed to support individuals and families affected by brain injury. Through our network of trusted professionals, we offer guidance on financial support, care and rehabilitation, education and employment pathways, emotional support, and legal advice and compensation options.Ā Whether navigating welfare rights, arranging appropriate rehabilitation services or returning to active life, our in-house advisors draw on decades of experience to ensure each client receives tailored, expert support.
Get Involved
Whether youāre an athlete, coach, family member, or supporter, there are many ways to get involved.
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community for children and adults with cerebral palsy ā empowering every player to achieve their potential through sport.
Email enquiries@braininjurygroup.co.uk for further information or visit our events page by clicking the button below.
