ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Paralympic association football

Imagine playing a fun game with your friends where you kick a ball around to each other. Now imagine that you couldn't run or move your legs very well, would you still be able to play this game? That's where Paralympic Association Football comes in - it's a way for people who have disabilities that make it hard for them to move their legs to play soccer!

Paralympic Association Football, also known as 5-a-side football, is a modified version of soccer. Instead of playing on a big field with 11 players on each team, Paralympic Association Football is played on a smaller field with only 5 players on each team. The game is played with a smaller ball that makes it easier for players to control and it's played on a special surface that makes it easier for players to move their wheelchairs on.

The players are divided into two teams with a goalkeeper and four outfield players. The goalkeeper is the only player who is allowed to touch the ball with their hands, and they protect the goal from the other team's attempts to score. The outfield players, who are all seated in wheelchairs, use their arms and upper body to move around the field and kick the ball. They wear special protective gear like shin guards and helmets to keep them safe.

The goal of the game is to score as many goals as possible by getting the ball past the other team's goalkeeper and into their goal. Players use their chairs to block and tackle each other in an effort to gain possession of the ball.

Paralympic Association Football requires a lot of skill, focus, and teamwork. Players need to be able to work together and communicate effectively to succeed. It's a great way for people who have disabilities to stay active and have fun, just like any other sport, and it's a great way to show that everyone can play soccer, no matter what their abilities are!