Young people representing Rotherham United F.C. are set to take part in the Premier League Disability Football Festival, hosted this summer by West Bromwich Albion. The event brings together players from disability programmes run by more than 65 professional football clubs in Under-11-mixed and 14-16-year-old-mixed age group activities.

More than 750 participants will be in attendance across three festivals, highlighting the Premier League’s year-round commitment to providing access to football for all. Hosted by Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal, the events offer a space for young people to develop their skills and enjoy the game in an inclusive environment.

The pan-disability football festivals, delivered by club charities in partnership with the Premier League Charitable Fund, aim to promote inclusion and support young people with disabilities through football. The events provide tailored opportunities for players to develop their skills and confidence in a supportive environment, while catering for those who are neurodivergent and have sensory or physical disabilities.

Premier League Chief Policy and Social Impact Officer, Clare Sumner, said: “The Premier League Disability Football Festivals showcase the power of football to bring people together and create inclusive opportunities for all.

“These events give young people the chance to grow their skills, build confidence and connect with others from clubs across England and Wales. More than just a day of football, the festivals help break down barriers and inspire the next generation to believe in their potential, both on and off the pitch.”

Dylan Hadley, Youth and Inclusion Manager at Rotherham United Community Trust, said “We’re really excited to be taking our under-11’s Ability Counts team to the Premier League Disability Festival hosted by The Albion Foundation. For some of these young people, it’ll be the first time representing Rotherham United Community Trust at an event like this and they genuinely can’t wait. Many of them face daily challenges that often go unseen, so to give them a platform where they’re celebrated and can showcase what they can do is very powerful. Our disability provision is all about creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel supported, encouraged, and able to go at their own pace – with no pressure, just the freedom to enjoy football and grow in confidence.”

The Premier League Disability Football Festivals are a celebration of how the Premier League’s community programmes – Premier League Kicks, Premier League Inspires and Premier League Primary Stars – connect young people aged from five to 18 with football, providing positive opportunities to help them reach their potential.

This year’s Premier League Disability Football Festivals will bring together young people for six-a-side games, building on last season’s success, which saw over 450 participants from 50 professional football club charities.

Alongside the matches, players will take part in a variety of activities and workshops designed to support their physical and mental wellbeing.

So far this season, more than 15,000 participants who reported having a disability took part in Premier League programmes funded through the Premier League Charitable Fund.

To find out more about the Premier League’s inclusive community activities, please visit premierleague.com.