About

In a world where the power of sports transcends boundaries, the project ‘Nobody Offside’ emerges as a pioneering project. This initiative is set to establish an inclusive football movement, specifically tailored for individuals with physical disabilities, with a primary focus on amputees. Developed collaboratively by esteemed entities including the European Football for Development Network (EFDN), the European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF), Club Brugge Foundation, PSV Foundation, Fundación Real Betis Balompié, and the Federation Romanian Football (FRF).

The overarching goal of Nobody Offside is to provide young amputees, aged 6-16, with transformative opportunities. Beyond the realm of sports, the project aspires to elevate physical health, boost confidence, create social bonds, and foster a sense of inclusivity within society. As a response to the unique and specialized needs of this demographic, Nobody Offside seeks to create safe, inclusive environments where young amputees can engage in football comfortably. Through partnerships, expert training, and international events, the project aims to expand amputee football capacity across Europe.

Aligning seamlessly with the EU Work Plan for Sport 2021-2024, Nobody Offside champions key priorities such as encouraging sport participation, combating discrimination, and promoting health-enhancing activities. Beyond the playing field, the project envisions a societal shift by challenging stereotypes, increasing visibility, and reducing stigma surrounding physical disabilities. Join us in this transformative journey, where football becomes a vehicle for empowerment, social integration, and the amplification of voices often left on the sidelines. Nobody Offside stands as a testament to the belief that, in the realm of sports, no one should be left behind.

Project overview

VISION: Create an inclusive football movement for physically disabled individuals, focusing on amputees, offering more frequent and widespread sports opportunities.

GOAL: Empower young amputees aged 6-16 by enhancing physical health, boosting confidence, fostering social bonds, and promoting inclusivity within society.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Establish safe and inclusive environments for young amputees to play football comfortably.
2. Encourage regular social interactions between young amputees and peers without disabilities.
3. Develop a transferable methodology for socially including amputees through football.
4. Expand amputee football capacity across Europe.
5. Increase visibility and reduce stigma for amputees in European society.

CONSORTIUM: Partners include European Football for Development Network (EFDN), the European Amputee Football Federation (EAFF), Club Brugge Foundation, PSV Foundation, Fundación Real Betis Balompié, and the Federation Romanian Football.

IMPACT: Provides unique opportunities for young amputees to be active, socially engaged, and visible. Aims to break stereotypes, improve integration, and reduce stigma around physical disabilities.

OUTCOMES: Focus on increasing physical activity, promoting education through sport, enhancing disability inclusion, and disseminating the methodology across Europe.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

1. Promote healthy lifestyles and regular physical activity
2. Advocate for social inclusion and equal opportunities
3. Develop and test the Nobody Offside Methodology
4. Showcase football and sport as positive forces to stakeholders
5. Raise awareness of sport’s social impact
6. Evaluate existing methodologies
7. Enhance life skills of participants
8. Share project experiences and best practices