England Football and the Premier League have launched Comets in schools, a free extra-curricular SEND football programme for girls and boys aged 5–11.
Designed as a pan-disability format, the largest in disability football, the programme enables children with a broad range of impairments and health conditions to play together in a supportive, inclusive environment.
To support delivery in education settings, England Football has worked in collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust and its Lead Inclusion School Network to develop training and practical resources for teachers and school staff, helping schools embed inclusive football provision beyond PE lessons.
Extra-curricular sport plays a vital role in boosting physical activity, building friendships and developing skills such as resilience, teamwork and communication. However, children with SEND remain significantly less likely to access these opportunities. Comets in schools aims to address this inequality by providing a flexible, play-based programme focused on confidence, belonging and enjoyment, designed alongside individuals with lived experience.
The launch aligns with England Football’s strategy, Inspiring Positive Change, which includes expanding participation opportunities for disabled players and strengthening inclusive pathways across the game.
Through its collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust, schools receive guidance and inclusive delivery models to help successfully implement the programme within their setting.
Victoria Wells OBE, Assistant Director, Children and Young People, Youth Sport Trust, said, “At the Youth Sport Trust, we know that inclusive extra-curricular opportunities are vital for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities to feel seen, valued and part of something meaningful.
“Programmes like Comets create inspiring, accessible spaces where every child can experience the joy of movement, build friendships and develop confidence through play. By supporting schools to remove barriers and design opportunities around individual needs and strengths, we can help more children with SEND take part, belong and thrive, both in sport and beyond.”
For more information, please contact your local Youth Sport Trust Lead Inclusion School or email the Youth Sport Trust Inclusion Team at SEND@youthsporttrust.org.
