About the Sport

CP (Cerebral Palsy) football is a new sport that Wheelchair Sports Victoria has introduced to its sport and recreation program. CP football is soccer for people with cerebral palsy. The main difference from traditional soccer is that it is played with 7 on each side compared to 11.

The game is played on a rectangular football pitch that does not exceed more than 75 metres long and 55 metres wide, and is not less than 70 metres long and 50 metres wide. The goal posts are 5 x 2 metres.

The main rules for playing CP football include:

• A maximum of 7 players are allowed on the court at one time (including the goal keeper)
• Teams are allowed 2 able-bodied players on the field at one time (WSV aims to eventually no able-bodied players)
  
• Able bodied players are unable to score goals
• Games consist of 2 x 20 minute halves, with a 5 minute interval
• The offside rule doesn't apply in 5-a-side football
• When out of bounds, the ball can be rolled into play if it is unable to be thrown above the player's head
• Restarts: opposing players must be at least 3 metres from the ball

How to get Involved

Wheelchair Sports Victoria offers the following CP football activities:

• CP football competition
• Development training program
• Development camp
  

Competition and Development Training Program

Wheelchair Sports Victoria will introduce a new State League Football Competition in 2010. The competition will be conducted over 2 seasons, consisting of 9 rounds in each season. A development training program will run in conjunction with the competition and is available to people of any age and skill class. 

The format of the program incorporates a coaching session facilitated by the Victorian 7-a-side Football Victorian Team Coach, Kerry Tavou. The competition games will comprise of two teams that will compete against each other throughout the year.

Teams will be selected by the Sport & Recreation team at Wheelchair Sports Victoria in conjunction with the coach, with the same teams kept throughout the duration of the two seasons.

Where: Darebin International Sports Centre

Time: 10.00-12.00pm

When:

* Please note that dates could be subject to change

Development Camp

Wheelchair Sports Victoria will conduct an annual development camp that targets anyone that is currently involved or wants to try CP Football. The camp provides participants with the opportunity to access quality coaching to assist in improving their skills and game, whilst also offering a socially engaging and supportive environment. Further details regarding the development camp will be provided shortly.

Contact

For further information, please contact Sport & Recreation Coordinator, Tim Nield on 9473 0133 or tnield@wsv.org.au