Footie for all

Pictures: Chris Vaughan

A groundbreaking partnership has been formed to boost inclusive football in Lincolnshire.

Lincoln City Foundation and Lincoln Invictus Inclusive Football Club have agreed a strategic partnership which will help drive forward opportunities for everyone to take part in football across the county.

Lincoln Invictus are a two-Star England and Lincolnshire FA LGBTQ+ accredited club offering PAN-disability, deaf & hearing-impaired and inclusive football to children aged four and over and adults of all ages who may be unable to participate in mainstream football. 

This partnership is set to create more accessible football opportunities for individuals of all abilities, reinforcing both organisations' dedication to championing inclusion.

The agreement establishes a shared vision for developing inclusive football initiatives, with a focus on disability football. 

Key objectives of the partnership are:

• Expanding inclusive football programmes: the Foundation and Invictus will collaborate to develop and deliver new inclusive sessions for individuals of all ages and abilities.
• Increased participation: the partnership aims to increase participation by signposting players between sessions and encouraging regular physical activity. 
• Joint event organisation: the Foundation and Invictus will leverage their networks, experience and facilities to co-host events, programmes, and initiatives aimed at enhancing football accessibility and inclusion across Lincolnshire. 

The partnership is a significant step forward in the development of accessible football in Lincolnshire as organisations share a commitment to ensuring that football is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and are addressing the financial and logistical challenges that often limit grassroots disability football programmes.

Danny Carter, head of sport and physical activity at Lincoln City Foundation, said: “Working together with Lincoln Invictus Inclusive Football Club is a fantastic opportunity to break down barriers and create more inclusive football opportunities for people who may not have had access to them before. 

“Our partnership is built on a shared commitment to increasing physical activity in our community through sport.”

Lucy Graham, chair of Lincoln Invictus Inclusive FC, added: “We are delighted to join forces with Lincoln City Foundation. This partnership not only allows us to expand our programs and reach more participants, but it also shows that, by coming together, we can create truly inclusive and sustainable opportunities for all.

"We are particularly excited about our new Saturday Comets pan-disability football sessions launching next month which will form a key part of our progression-pathway for youth players. We also have plans under development for LGBTQ+ and allies’ sessions and development of our deaf and hearing-impaired youth offerings. Our club ethos is that football is for all and our partnership with Lincoln City Foundation will help us support more people to participate in the sport they love.”