Disability football in Essex has been described as the game’s “best kept secret” as the Essex County FA promote Soccability categories in the FA People’s Cup, with team slots still available at PlayFootball Southend.

The FA People’s Cup is a small-sided competition which is completely free to enter and disability matches will take place from 10:30am-2:00pm on Saturday 24th February, with fully accessible changing rooms and facilities. The category is open to all adults and under 16s with any disability, whether it be SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health), learning or physical. The adult section will be split into three ability-based divisions.

There is specialised equipment which can be utilised if needed and Football Development Officer, Cindi Chatha, said: “Although it is growing, not many outside of disability football know of the opportunities and pathways available. The FA People’s Cup is a good way to raise awareness. It also provides an additional competitive element, with a chance of playing against other teams outside the county.”

The overall FA People’s Cup welcomes male, female and disability players from Under 14s through to veterans (over-35s). Grassroots teams from across Essex can now sign up for free and take part in the largest small-sided football competition in the country, made up of 18 categories to offer a chance of glory for all.

The First Round regional stages will take place across the country between Friday 23rd and Sunday 25th February and teams need to make sure they are registered as soon as possible, with the closing date for applications being Sunday 18th February.

After the First Round, squads who progress will head into the Semi-Finals across the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March. Titles will then be dished out at St George’s Park during the Grand Finals on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April.

It’s a simple process to register a team. Search for the nearest FA People’s Cup event by clicking here. To find out more about small-sided football opportunities throughout the year in Essex click here, follow @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and search for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.