Türkiye Launches First-Ever Cerebral Palsy Football Team for Children

Türkiye's Walker Sports Club has launched the country's first cerebral palsy football team, bringing together 30 children aged 7 to 12. The initiative uses adapted football to support the children's physical development, social integration and confidence. The project has received local and international support, and the club hopes to compete in national and international tournaments in the future.

Türkiye has marked a significant milestone in inclusive sports with the launch of the country's first-ever cerebral palsy football team by the Walker Sports Club. The groundbreaking initiative aims to provide children living with cerebral palsy an opportunity to participate in organised football while promoting their physical, social and emotional development.
Cerebral palsy football, commonly known as CP football, is a seven-a-side adaptation of the traditional game specifically designed for athletes with cerebral palsy and similar neurological conditions. The sport is recognised at the Paralympic level and is played by ambulant athletes. Several standard football rules are modified to accommodate the players’ physical abilities, ensuring matches remain fair, competitive and enjoyable for all participants.
The newly formed team consists of 30 children between the ages of seven and twelve. The young athletes recently took part in training sessions at Istanbul’s Hamza Yerlikaya Sports Complex, where they began developing their football skills and building friendships through sport.
CP football has grown significantly across the globe and is now played in 86 countries. The sport is widely recognised for its ability to support the physical, cognitive and emotional well-being of children and young people living with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that can affect movement, balance and posture.
The Turkish team is currently representing Türkiye at Walker Sports Stockholm, showcasing the country's commitment to expanding opportunities for children with disabilities through sport.
Walker Sports Club was established by families who initially connected through social media platforms and therapy centres while seeking support for their children. Their shared experiences inspired them to create a community-focused sports programme. On the field, the children make use of walkers as part of both their training sessions and football activities, adapting the game to suit their individual needs.
Walker Sports Club President Muhammet Emin Ergun highlighted the importance of the programme, explaining that the intensive sessions provide valuable opportunities for social interaction, particularly for children who spend much of their early lives undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
According to Ergun, many of the children have endured difficult surgeries and extensive physical therapy as part of their treatment. He explained that these demanding processes often leave little time for normal childhood activities such as play and socialisation.
“These children underwent difficult surgeries and physical therapy processes for their treatment,” Ergun said. “Because of these sessions and physical therapy, these children have little time to play in the early years of their lives. Later, my wife and a few mothers came together to help these children socialise. There, we realised that these children are good for each other.”
The initiative has attracted attention beyond Türkiye’s borders. The English Football Federation has expressed support for the project and is providing UEFA-backed training assistance to help strengthen the programme and develop the players’ skills.
The project has also received strong support from local authorities. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Youth and Sports Directorate has provided access to sports facilities, ensuring that the children have a suitable environment for training and development.
Programme Coordinator Kerem Arda emphasised the crucial role sport plays in helping people with disabilities become more socially integrated. He noted that participation in organised sporting activities can help individuals build confidence, establish friendships and engage more actively within their communities.
Coach Kemal Yildirim also stressed the developmental benefits of football, explaining that even basic training exercises can contribute positively to brain development. Through structured, enjoyable and team-oriented activities, children are encouraged to improve both their physical and cognitive abilities.
Medical experts involved with adapted sports programmes have similarly pointed to the significant benefits of participation. They note that specialised sporting activities can help improve both gross and fine motor skills, areas that are often affected by cerebral palsy.
Parents whose children are involved in the initiative say the programme has become much more than a football team. Many describe it as a supportive community where families facing similar challenges can connect, share experiences and encourage one another.
Among them are Goknur Onur and Pelin Akin, who say the project has created a welcoming environment where families no longer feel isolated. They believe football offers an effective way to help their children become more integrated into society while improving their overall quality of life.
“Football is the most loved and popular sport among children. We want to help our children integrate better into society through football, contribute to their adaptation, and have a happier and more peaceful life,” Onur said.
Another parent, Sevim Ceylan, described the joy the children experience whenever they play together, underscoring the importance of creating inclusive spaces where children of all abilities can participate, have fun and develop meaningful social connections.
Looking to the future, Walker Sports Club has ambitious plans for the team. The organisation hopes to expand its activities and enter both national and international competitions in the coming years, giving the young athletes opportunities to compete on larger stages while continuing to promote inclusion and awareness through sport.