Para soccer, also known as para football, is a modified form of soccer designed for athletes with physical disabilities. It can include a wide range of categories such as Cerebral Palsy (CP) football, Amputee football, Deaf football, Blind football, and Powerchair football. Let’s take a closer look at the schedules and tournament structures for these different categories.
Cerebral Palsy (CP) Football
Cerebral Palsy football is governed by the International Federation of CP Football (IFCPF). Major tournaments include:
- World Championships: Held every four years, the next championship is scheduled for 2026.
- Regional Championships: These include European, Asian, and American Championships and take place every two years.
- Paralympic Games: CP football is a part of summer Paralympic Games, which occurs every four years.
Amputee Football
Amputee football is organized by the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF). Key tournaments include:
- World Cup: Held every two years, the next one is planned for 2024.
- Continental Championships: These take place intermittently across different continents like Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
- National Leagues: Some countries have established their own national leagues and annual tournaments.
Blind Football
Blind football is managed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). Important events include:
- IBSA Blind Football World Championships: Held every four years, with the next one scheduled for 2025.
- IBSA Blind Football European Championships: Occurs every two years.
- Paralympic Games: Blind football is part of the summer Paralympics, happening every four years.
Deaf Football
Deaf football comes under the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD). Significant events include:
- Deaflympics: The Deaflympics include a football tournament, scheduled every four years.
- Regional Deaf Championships: These occur every two years across different regions.
Powerchair Football
Powerchair football is governed by the Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA). Key events are:
- FIPFA World Cup: Held every four years, the next edition will be in 2026.
- International Zone Competitions: Conducted every two years, allowing teams from different zones to compete.
Note that schedules can be impacted by external factors such as global health crises or political issues, so it’s essential to stay updated through official organizations’ websites and announcements.