Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Liverpool County FA Ability Counts League provides inclusive football opportunities for players of all abilities across Merseyside. Operating with various formats including five-a-side competitions, the league enables clubs, schools, and community teams to participate in regular organized matches throughout the season. The league serves as a vital platform for players with different abilities to enjoy competitive football in a supportive environment while developing their skills and confidence.
Schools like The Observatory School have recently joined the competition, fielding teams in the five-a-side format. Teams such as Bootle Pumas and LFC Nunez regularly compete in fixtures that are organized to accommodate different skill levels and physical capabilities.
The league structure includes fixtures, results, and tables that track team performances, creating a complete competitive experience for participants. This community-focused approach to football emphasizes participation and enjoyment while maintaining the excitement of structured competition.
History
The Liverpool County FA Ability Counts League was established to provide competitive football opportunities for players with disabilities in the Liverpool area. This inclusive platform allows participants of various abilities to engage in organized football matches and tournaments.
One notable team in the league is the Liverpool FC Foundation Ability Counts team, which was founded in 2005. Since its establishment, the team has achieved significant success in the competition.
The Liverpool FC Foundation team has built an impressive record, securing numerous trophies within the Liverpool County FA Ability Counts League. Their consistent performance has made them one of the standout teams in the competition's history.
The league operates under the governance of the Liverpool County Football Association, which oversees football activities within the city of Liverpool, England. This organization provides structure and support for the Ability Counts League.
Over the years, the league has grown in participation and visibility. It represents an important initiative in disability football, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the sport throughout the Liverpool region.
The competitive format allows teams to participate in fixtures, with results tracked and tables maintained to recognize achievement. This structure mirrors mainstream football competitions while accommodating the specific needs of players with disabilities.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Liverpool County FA Ability Counts League caters to different age categories to ensure inclusive participation across various developmental stages. The league primarily features Open Age (adult) divisions alongside youth categories for U16 and U13 players.
For Open Age competitors, the league implements a tiered structure with multiple divisions. These include the Premier League, Championship, League 1, League 2, and League 3, creating a competitive hierarchy similar to mainstream football.
Youth development is supported through dedicated competitions such as the Friday Night Floodlit league specifically designed for younger players. This format provides appropriate competitive opportunities in an accessible timeframe.
The NW 5's appears as a specialized division within the league structure, likely offering a 5-a-side format that accommodates different player needs and abilities.
This multi-tier system ensures teams compete against others of similar skill levels, creating meaningful and fair competition. The structure allows for appropriate challenge and development regardless of ability level.
With a total of 23 teams participating across these divisions, the league offers substantial competitive opportunities for disability football in the Liverpool area. The clear organization of age groups and divisions helps create pathways for player development from youth to adult competition.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Liverpool County FA Ability Counts League is managed by a dedicated team of individuals who ensure the smooth operation of this inclusive football competition. The league falls under the governance of Liverpool County FA.
For matters related to the male pathway within the league, Mark Horlick serves as the Football Development Officer. He can be reached by phone at 0151 523 4488 (extension 208) or mobile at 07736 157310.
Email communication with Mark is possible via Mark.Horlick@LiverpoolFA.com. This contact is particularly relevant for teams participating in or looking to join the Premier League division of the Open Age category.
The league benefits from contributions of coaches like Liam, who leads the LFC Foundation's Ability Counts programme. His exceptional work with disabled players was recognized with the LCFA Disability Coach of the Year award.
While the complete committee structure is not detailed in the available information, the league operates with a similar framework to other ability counts leagues, typically including positions such as:
- Chairperson
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Fixtures Secretary
- Referees Coordinator
- Welfare Officer
For general inquiries or more information about the Liverpool County FA Ability Counts League, contacting the Liverpool County FA offices is recommended.
Teams
The Liverpool County FA Ability Counts League features several established teams that compete regularly in their competitions. Based on the search results, some of the prominent teams include Bootle Tigers, CP United, Everton Amps, Everton Coleman, Liverpool, Warrington Wolves, and Wirral Diamonds.
The league accommodates different formats of play, including five-a-side and seven-a-side competitions. These varying formats allow for flexibility and inclusivity, enabling more players to participate regardless of their specific abilities.
New teams continue to join the league, expanding its reach and impact. For instance, The Observatory School recently debuted with two five-a-side teams, demonstrating the growing interest in the Ability Counts League.
The competitions are structured to ensure fair play and appropriate levels of challenge. Teams compete in divisions that match their skill levels and abilities, creating a positive environment for all participants.
Many teams in the league are affiliated with professional clubs or local community organizations. This connection provides valuable resources and support structures that help the teams develop and thrive within the inclusive framework of the Ability Counts League.
The league serves as an important platform for players with disabilities in the Liverpool area, offering regular competitive opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
Players
The Liverpool County FA Ability Counts League features diverse players across various teams. Each player contributes unique skills and talents to their respective squads.
Players in this league participate in fixtures regularly, with their performance tracked through season totals. This data helps teams analyze individual contributions throughout the competition.
The league provides opportunities for players of different abilities to engage in competitive football. Teams like LFC Nunez showcase the talent available within the Ability Counts framework.
New players continue to join the league, as evidenced by The Observatory School's recent introduction of two five-a-side teams. This expansion demonstrates the growing interest in inclusive football.
Player statistics are maintained to recognize individual achievements and development. These records help highlight standout performances and track improvement over time.
The competitive nature of the league encourages players to develop their skills while enjoying the social aspects of team sports. Many participants find value in both the athletic and community elements of the league.
Players compete in various match formats, including five-a-side configurations that allow for focused gameplay. These smaller team structures often enable greater individual participation during matches.
