The game is changing. Parents/carers/guardians (PCGs) are educating themselves. And clubs aren’t keeping up.
Here’s what’s coming.
Google Trends tells a clear story.
Searches for “reasonable adjustments grassroots football” are climbing.
“Equality Act youth sports” – rising.
“Neurodiversity discrimination” – rising.
“Can my child be excluded from football for behaviour” – rising.
PCGs aren’t just hoping their kids get good coaching anymore. They’re researching their legal rights.
Because awareness is growing faster among PCGs than among clubs. PCGs know adjustments exist. They know the Equality Act creates duties. They know what discrimination looks like.
But clubs? Many still think “we treat everyone the same” is an acceptable response.
It’s not. It never was. And increasingly, PCGs know it.
We cover this in our Understanding Neurodiversity in Grassroots Football training:
PCGs read articles about neurodiversity in mainstream media. They see celebrities talking about ADHD and autism. They join support groups with thousands of other families.
They learn that their child has legal protections. That clubs must make reasonable adjustments. That exclusion without attempts at adjustment could be discriminatory.
Meanwhile, coaches are learning… what exactly?
A one-off e-learning module that doesn’t mention the Equality Act. A safeguarding course that treats neurodivergence as a medical issue. Maybe nothing at all.
So you get this:
PCG “My son has ADHD. Under the Equality Act, you need to make reasonable adjustments.”
Coach: “We treat all players the same. No special treatment.”
That’s not principled consistency. That’s ignorance of legal obligations.
And it creates conflict where there should be partnership.
Friction. Complaints. Potential litigation. PCGs feel the club doesn’t understand their child’s needs.
Coaches feel PCGs are demanding unreasonable special treatment.
Both sides get defensive. Trust breaks down.
The player suffers. Often, they drop out.
And the club? They lose a player, damage their reputation and potentially face complaints they could have avoided with basic awareness and documentation.
Here’s the thing: most PCGs aren’t looking for conflict.
They’re looking for partnership.
They want clubs that understand neurodivergence. That make reasonable adjustments. That communicate clearly about what’s possible and what’s not. When clubs are educated and PCGs are educated, you get collaboration instead of confrontation.
Educated clubs know:
Educated PCGs know:
When both sides have realistic expectations and shared understanding, friction decreases dramatically.
Most clubs think PCG education means “difficult PCGs asking for more stuff.”
Wrong.
Educated PCGs are easier to work with, not harder.
Because they understand:
When PCGs have access to expert guidance about supporting their neurodiverse child, they’re less likely to direct frustration toward the club when challenges arise.
They have tools. They have strategies. They have realistic expectations. And critically, they take more responsibility for their role in their child’s success.
That takes pressure off coaches. It builds trust. It creates partnership.
Imagine this scenario:
Without PCG education:
PCG: “My son can’t concentrate in training. You need to do something.”
Coach: “We can’t give him special treatment. All players get the same coaching.”
PCG: Googles Equality Act, finds rights, feels unsupported, files complaint
With PCG education:
PCG: “My son struggles with verbal instructions. Could we try visual demonstrations?”
Coach: “Absolutely. I’ve been documenting some observations and we’re already trying that strategy.”
PCG: “Great. I’ve also learned some focus techniques we’re using at home – want me to share what’s working?”
See the difference?
One creates conflict. One creates partnership.
County FAs offer training for clubs, coaches and welfare officers.
Almost none offer structured support for PCGs.
So PCGs are left Googling. Asking in Facebook groups. Getting inconsistent, sometimes wrong information.
That’s a missed opportunity.
A parallel PCG education system – running alongside club training – creates alignment. PCGs learn how to support their neurodiverse children in football, school and life.
Clubs learn how to make adjustments and communicate with families.
Everyone’s working from the same evidence base. Speaking the same language. Moving in the same direction.
Talk to your County FA.
Ask if they offer PCG education alongside club training.
Ask if they provide resources that help families understand reasonable adjustments, neurodiversity and how to partner with clubs effectively. Ask if they have systems that create alignment between what clubs are learning and what PCGs are learning.
If they don’t, that’s a significant gap.
Because the PCGs? They’re starting to educate themselves anyway.
The question is whether clubs are keeping up.
We’ve solved this problem and more with the FMHA Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Safeguarding Academy.
The FMHA Neurodiversity, Mental Health & Safeguarding Academy gives your entire club unlimited access to:
Not a one-off workshop. Not a Facebook group. An ongoing support system built specifically for grassroots football.
The resources and support provided in The Vault are designed to promote mental wellbeing and provide general guidance on mental health related to grassroots football.
However, the content is not intended to serve as specific mental health advice or replace consultation with a trained professional. If you or someone you know requires personalised mental health support, we strongly encourage you to consult with a licensed mental health professional and/or seek appropriate services in your area.
