How does cerebral palsy (CP) football work?
Rule- England
- England Football
- The FA
- Disability football
- Pan-disability
- Ages 5-18
- FA Dispensation Policy
- 2026/27
- Parents
CP football is for ambulant players with cerebral palsy, meaning they can move unaided. It uses the 11-a-side laws with adaptations.
| Team | 7 v 7, maximum squad of 14 |
| Match | Two halves of 30 minutes |
| Pitch | Maximum 75m x 55m, goals 5m x 2m |
Classification
- Players are classed from FT1 (significant impairment) to FT3 (minimal impairment), based on range of movement and where the impairment is.
- Each team must field at least one FT1 player. If it has none, it plays with one fewer player.
- No more than one FT3 player may be on the pitch at a time.
Rule adaptations
- No offside.
- Throw-ins or roll-ins are allowed; roll-ins help players with hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body).
CP players can play in mainstream football, pan-disability football or the National CP Football League (monthly fixtures, supported by CP Sport). Talented players can progress through the England Talent Pathway.
Updated 21 Oct 2026