This summer has been nothing short of inspirational for sport, not least thanks to the Lionesses. Their victory in the UEFA European Women’s Championship reignited a national passion for football and reinforced the powerful message that the game truly is for everyone.

As a result, a significant number of children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) also want to get involved. In fact, 74% of young people with SEND express a desire to be more physically active. Yet, only 25% regularly take part in PE, school sport, or physical activities. Barriers such as fear of injury, uncertainty about what to do, and a lack of self-confidence are all major contributors to this gap in participation.

It's not just the children who need more support. A recent Teacher Tapp survey revealed that 9 in 10 teachers feel they need more help to deliver inclusive physical activity for learners with SEND. Teachers identified several ways their confidence could be boosted: more planning time (58%), additional training (34%), and access to specialist equipment (24%).

An inclusive club for all.

To help bridge this gap, The Football Association has teamed up with Disney to create SEND Disney Inspired Shooting Stars: a fully inclusive, extra-curricular club for children with SEND aged 5–11. Delivered through the Youth Sport Trust, the programme blends storytelling with movement, using superhero narratives to build physical literacy in a fun and engaging way.

Focused on developing agility, balance, and coordination, the club avoids the pressure of competition. Instead, it champions fun, personal bests, and belonging creating a safe, positive space where all children can thrive.

And the best part? It’s completely free.

Practitioners can take part in a two-hour virtual training session, delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, which provides the tools and knowledge needed to launch and run their club. After the session, each participant receives a start-up pack filled with ready-made activities and ongoing support from the Youth Sport Trust team to help deliver sessions.

So far, 225 practitioners have attended the training sessions, and here's what they had to say:

• “Such an engaging resource, can’t wait to get started!”
• “It was easy to understand and relevant for the school setting we are in.”
• “The tutor was very knowledgeable of the resources.”
• “There are some great ideas. The games can be used with all our children.”
• “The children will engage really well with these resources. It’s a great programme to inspire them!”
• “The Shooting Stars programme is a great way to teach football to children with SEND. With clear outcomes and structured plans, it gives every child the opportunity to participate and develop.”

Upcoming Training Dates

The Youth Sport Trust is offering three virtual training opportunities for practitioners to get involved this academic year:

• Tuesday 21st October 2025 – 2:30–4:30pm
• Tuesday 25th November 2025 – 2:30–4:30pm
• Thursday 12th February 2026 – 2:30–4:30pm

Book your place today and be part of a movement that brings inclusive football to every child.