The birth of a new sport
On March 1, 2024, some members of our association started testing, in close collaboration with EISI (Italian Board of Inclusive Sports), the foundations of what is now officially Universal Football. After two years spent experimenting and refining the on-court dynamics to make this sport as inclusive as possible, the rules are finally a reality. But how exactly does this sport work?
To explain the true essence of this discipline, we report below the official principles and fundamental rules drawn up by the promoting body. (For the full document, visit the dedicated section on the EISI website).
What is Universal Football
EISI's Universal Football is a reinterpretation of 5-a-side football designed according to the principles of Design for All, with the aim of making the game truly accessible and playable by anyone, without exclusions.
Through the application of the EISI Guidelines for the redesign of sports, innovative rules, roles, and dynamics are introduced that overcome the traditional model and place the person at the centre, enhancing the diverse skills and potential of each participant.
The result is an authentically shared sporting experience, in which participation is not an adaptation, but the founding principle: a game designed from the outset to include, where every individual can make a meaningful contribution.
Core Principles
- Total inclusion
- Design for All
- Balanced roles
- Active participation
Discover the rules of Universal Football
We had the honour of producing the official explanatory video of the rules. You can watch the English version directly on our YouTube channel to instantly grasp the dynamics of the game!!
Game Structure and Rules
The Pitch Playing Time The Teams Role System Inclusive Rules 28x15m with 4 doors
(2 traditional doors and 2 1m wide side doors)4 quarters of 12 minutes 6 players with roles from 1 to 5 Distribution of abilities and responsibilities Differentiated marking & scoring limits for each role In-depth look at game dynamics
The collaborative dimension is further reinforced by scoring limits for each role, which prevent a few individuals from dominating and instead promote the collective build-up of play. The side goals and dedicated areas also allow the activation of role 1 (pivot), expanding the opportunities for strategic participation.
Finally, the rules include elements of flexibility, with possible exceptions that allow playing times and methods to be adapted to the characteristics of the participants. It is a choice that clearly expresses the principle behind this model: do not adapt the person to the sport, but design the sport around the people.
The meaning of Universal Football
EISI Universal Football is much more than a sport: it is a system where differences become resources and where every role is truly indispensable. A game that exists and works only through collaboration.
Do you want to take the pitch with us?
Universal Football cannot be explained merely with words; it must be experienced directly on the pitch. No matter your previous sporting experience or ability: in our team, there is a role designed and tailored exactly for you. Everyone's talent is essential for everyone's victory.
