Two of Cumberland’s most influential figures in inclusive football have announced they will be stepping away at the end of the season.
Paul and Josh Allen, the driving force behind Carlisle Reivers’ disability football provision, have decided to close this remarkable chapter after years of dedication.
Paul’s journey began in 2017 when he approached Cumberland FA with a simple but powerful idea: to create a football opportunity for his son, Josh, who has cerebral palsy.
From that conversation, a small turn up and play pan-disability session at Harraby 3G was born.
The early days were challenging – sometimes only two or three players attended, and occasionally none at all. But Paul’s determination never wavered.
Slowly, numbers grew, and before long, Carlisle Reivers were playing against teams from across the country.
Over seven years, the club evolved into a thriving inclusive football hub, boasting five teams and welcoming more than 80 players aged from six to over-50.
Paul’s impact extended far beyond Carlisle. Working closely with Cumberland FA, he helped other clubs replicate his model, paving the way for the creation of the Ability Counts League.
Today, this league offers opportunities in Penrith, Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven and beyond, serving over 150 youth players and providing a pathway into adult disability football.
In the past Paul has said it wasn’t just about coaching football but also coaching life experience.
He said that setting up the disability team not only helped him fall back in love with football, it also helped him fall back in love with life.
Paul had some difficulties with his own mental health and this gave him a new lease of life.
His contributions didn’t stop at the pitch. Paul, supported by Josh, raised thousands through fundraising, supported school football initiatives, introduced blind football taster sessions, and even served as Ability Counts League matchday secretary.
He championed accessibility in coaching, securing funding to deliver an inclusive FA Level 1 course—equipping several Carlisle Reivers players, including Josh, with coaching qualifications.
Josh followed in his father’s footsteps, earning his refereeing badge and taking on leadership roles within the youth and adult teams.
His efforts were recognised with the Cumberland FA Grassroots Awards Rising Star accolade in 2019, alongside commendations for his coaching work.
This had followed on from when Paul won the Volunteer of the Year award at the 2018 Cumberland FA Grassroots Awards.
Cumberland FA said: “Together, Paul and Josh have collected league trophies, inspired countless players, and changed the landscape of disability football in Cumberland. Their passion and commitment have left an indelible mark.”
Announcing his decision to the Ability Counts League group Paul said: “Josh and I have had to make the hard decision to step away from the football.
“It’s been a really hard decision to make but it’s one we feel is needed
“Provision for the kids has grown massively over the years and it’s all thanks to the other Ability Counts League coaches who have stepped up.
“This has been a massive part of our lives for, I think just over eight years, and we have some incredible memories and we are proud to have been a part of the development of disability football in our county.”
Josh added: “It’s been a real pleasure and we both are incredibly proud and can’t wait to see what happens in the future thank you all.”
Tributes from the pan disability coaching community flowed in when the news broke.
Andy Rush, of Workington Diamonds, said: “You both helped guide me all those years ago when we first started the Super Diamonds.
“You both have done wonders for disability football and the league wouldn’t be what it is today without you both, best of luck for the future and always here if needed.”
Ray Sempill, Cumberland FA football development officer and disability lead, said: “I was gutted to hear that Paul and Josh are stepping away from running the teams – I know this has been an incredibly tough decision for them, but I completely understand and respect that they need to focus on other priorities right now.
“Paul and Josh should be immensely proud of their achievements.
“They have been pioneers in the success of disability football in Cumberland, and their legacy will continue to inspire clubs for years to come. I’m proud of what I’ve supported them to achieve and to call them both friends.
“They will always be welcome back in any capacity.”
