Can my disabled child play in a younger age group?

Yes, if The FA grants a dispensation.

The default rule: a child's age group is set by their age on 31 August (a child aged 7 on 31 August is Under 8 for that season). Under 15s can't play in a match where another player is two or more years older or younger. A child may "play up" one age group, but not down.

The exception: The FA's Rules of the Association 2026/27 (Rule C161.1) let The FA allow disabled children to play outside their birth-date age group, including "playing down", under its Dispensation Policy. The policy covers any child who:

• has a disability;
• has a mental disorder or chronic illness;
• has a significant physical developmental delay; or
• is schooled no more than one year behind their age group and would be at a substantial disadvantage in it.

(There are also pilot categories for lack of a local opportunity and for talent development, assessed by County FAs.)

When deciding, The FA must make sure no-one gains an unfair advantage, the system isn't abused, and the safety of all children comes first.

In youth disability football itself, leagues can use age bands of up to four years (for example Under 8, Under 12 and Under 16) rather than the usual two-year limit.