What to expect

We are delighted that you are interested in joining Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC. New players and families are always welcome, and we know that coming along for the first time can feel like a big step. This page explains what to expect, what to bring, and how we will help you feel part of the club from the moment you arrive.

Who We Are

Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC is an associated team of the Robins Foundation and is sponsored by RWK Goodman. We run football programmes supported by the FA and CP Sport, creating opportunities for players with cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury to take part, develop, compete, and enjoy being part of a supportive football community.

Where and When We Train

Location: Imperial Sports Ground, West Town Lane, Brislington, BS14 9EA.

Saturday sessions: Usually 12:00pm to 2:00pm on the large 4G pitch. Times can change, so please check before attending.

Wednesday sessions: Usually 5:00pm to 6:00pm, normally on pitch 5

Who Can Join?

We welcome players who have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or an acquired brain injury. If you are unsure whether you or your child fits this category, please contact us by email and provide as much detail as possible so we can advise you properly.

If we are not the right environment for a player, we will always try to help by signposting families to a more suitable club through the Robins Foundation or through our wider contacts.

Our Coaching Team and Pitch-Side Support

Our coaching team is one of the things that makes the club feel like a community. We have 11 coaches, and every coach either has cerebral palsy themselves or has a child with cerebral palsy. This means new players and families are supported by people who understand the journey, the challenges, and the confidence that football can help build.

All our coaches are Level 1 qualified, with additional coaching experience across the team, including UEFA B and UEFA C qualifications. All coaches are trained in sudden cardiac arrest procedures, and we usually have advanced first aiders pitch-side on training and match days.

Our Player Groups

Comets: Ages 5–12 We train Every Week!

Comets sessions are mixed-gender, cerebral palsy-specific sessions designed for first-time footballers. They are fun, educational, and interactive, helping players build confidence, strength, and character through football.

The Comets are also part of the National CP development league for under-16, under-12, and under-8 players. Players who attend on Saturdays can also attend our Tuesday evening sessions.

As well as football, we organise group activities such as trips to the pantomime, watching football matches, and travelling to festivals and tournaments in the UK and abroad.

Academy: Ages 12–16

Academy sessions are mixed-gender and build on the same values as Comets, with more emphasis on teamwork, fitness, and player development. We encourage players to stretch, stay active, and build positive habits from day one.

Keeping fit and active while making friends is an important part of rehabilitation and confidence-building. Many families come to us after recommendations from physiotherapists and surgeons.

Satellite Sessions: Female Players

Our Satellite sessions are for female players only and usually run once a month. These sessions give girls the opportunity to play and compete together in their own environment. We also have a pathway to the England team and currently have players involved at England level.

Seniors: Ages 16+

Senior sessions are mixed-gender and include both community and competitive players. Some players come each week to stay active, enjoy football, and be with friends, while others want to compete at a higher level. Both are valued equally.

Our competitive senior players take part in the National CP League and National development league, travelling for matches across the country. We entered the league in 2026 and are using our first two seasons, through to 2028, to build the squad and develop the players.

Before Your First Session Checklist

• Contact us before you come.
• Tell us the player’s age and diagnosis.
• Check the latest session time and pitch.
• Wear comfortable sports clothing.
• Bring Astro trainers or multi-surface boots.
• Bring shin pads.
• Bring a drink.
• Arrive a little early.
• Speak to Sue or a coach when you arrive.
• Come ready to have fun and feel welcome.

First Sessions and Membership

Every new player is offered two free sessions. This gives the player time to see whether they enjoy the club and gives the coaches time to make sure it is the right environment for them.

After the free sessions, players who continue with the club contribute towards pitch fees by paying £20 per month in subs, usually by direct debit.

All players, parents, or carers must complete a player registration form and agree to follow the club code of conduct. Respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and other families is expected at all times.

Kit and What to Bring

Once subs have been set up and the first month has been paid, we will measure the player so we can provide a Bristol City home kit. This includes a shirt, shorts, and socks.

Players will need to provide suitable Astro trainers or multi-surface boots. Metal studs are not permitted.

All players must provide and wear shin pads for training and matches. Shin pads should cover around two-thirds of the shin.

Safeguarding and First-Day Support

Susan Young is the club’s designated welfare and safeguarding officer for junior and senior players. Sue will usually meet new families pitch-side on the first day, introduce the player to coaches and other players, and help everyone settle in. You do not need to know anyone before you arrive — we will make sure someone is there to welcome you, answer questions, and help the player feel included.

Club Calendar and Updates

We use Teamup as our digital calendar. Families can download it to see upcoming sessions, fixtures, events, and other club activities.

Most Important of All

It may feel like a lot to take in at first, but the most important thing is to bring the player along, let them have fun, and allow the club community to support you along the way.

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