Abstract
ABSTRACT Rationale Drawing on a conceptual lens informed by ableism and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), the purpose of this paper is to discover how managers within European National Football Associations (NAs) develop disability football. Design This novel study explores the development of disability football from the perspective of 37 European National Football Association (NAs) managers. Results were based on a pan-European questionnaire that assessed managerial viewpoints that subsequently identified the priorities across the region. Findings Findings indicate that much resource has been dedicated to developing disability football, in some cases suggesting over-allocation of finance, facilities and human resources. Efforts to enhance levels of disability awareness and the competencies that underpin the development of disability football are needed. Practical implications Managers need to invest in developing competence through the formation of inter-organizational partnerships with disability sports organizations. Research contribution This paper provides a novel and pragmatic review of the priorities for disability football delivery in Europe. The results provide diagnostic support for quality enhancement.
Highlights
In recent decades, many football associations, leagues, and clubs across Europe have begun to implement ‘Football for All’ for people with a disability (PwD) (Atherton &Macbeth, 2017)
Drawing on a conceptual lens combining ableism and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), the purpose of this paper is to discover how European National Football Associations’ (NAs) managers develop disability football
To address research question one (Where are the NAs priorities for increasing the inclusion of PwD within European football?), the indicator of Disability Awareness was positioned in the ‘concentrate here’ quadrant
Summary
Many football (soccer) associations, leagues, and clubs across Europe have begun to implement ‘Football for All’ for people with a disability (PwD) (Atherton &Macbeth, 2017). Many football (soccer) associations, leagues, and clubs across Europe have begun to implement ‘Football for All’ for people with a disability (PwD) We use the term disability football to represent one or more of these types. As this is an emerging field of practice, the development of disability football and the specific programs offered varies across this region. Since March 2008 the Sepp-Herberger-Foundation, the German Disabled Sports Association and the German Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired have been operating a national (German) blind football league, where some teams are affiliated to the top four
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