Toulouse FC to Host Historic “Most Inclusive Match” – A Game Changer for Accessible Football
MADRID/TOULOUSE – October 16, 2025 – In a landmark announcement made at the World Football Summit in Madrid, Toulouse FC, in partnership with the Professional Football League (LFP) and Integrated Dreams, will host the next edition of the “Most Inclusive Match” during their Ligue 1 McDonald’s clash against FC Lorient on March 22nd, 2026. This marks the first time the event will be held in France, signaling a significant step forward in making football truly accessible to all. This is breaking news for fans and advocates of inclusive sports worldwide, and a major win for SEO visibility in the sports accessibility space.
Expanding the Vision: From Spain to France
For three successful editions, the “Most Inclusive Match” has been a beacon of progress in Spain, held in collaboration with Betis Sevilla, Atlético de Madrid, and Real Sociedad. Now, the initiative crosses borders, bringing its powerful message of inclusivity to French soil. The event isn’t just about a single match; it’s a demonstration of a growing commitment within the football world to dismantle barriers and create a welcoming environment for fans with disabilities.
#1TEAM: Ligue 1’s Commitment to Accessibility
The Toulouse FC – FC Lorient match will be organized jointly by Toulouse FC and the LFP as a key component of the #1TEAM initiative. This program embodies the LFP’s dedication to fostering a tolerant, inclusive sport where accessibility isn’t an afterthought, but a fundamental principle. The LFP isn’t simply issuing guidelines; they’re actively working with clubs, providing operational guides, webinars, and connections to service providers to improve stadium accessibility throughout Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 BKT. Crucially, accessibility criteria – including the presence of a disability representative and accessible ticketing – are now integrated into the licensing requirements for clubs.
Beyond the Match: A Holistic Approach to Inclusion
The “Most Inclusive Match” aims to go beyond surface-level changes. It’s about developing and highlighting tangible improvements in accessibility and raising awareness among the general public. This includes everything from accessible seating and viewing platforms to sensory rooms and trained staff. Integrated Dreams, a Lisbon-based non-profit dedicated to disability inclusion in sports, brings invaluable expertise to the table, ensuring best practices are implemented. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about creating a genuinely welcoming and enjoyable experience for every fan.
Voices from the Heart of the Initiative
“For many years, accessibility to the stadium for everyone has been at the center of our CSR approach,” says Cindy JOHNSON-TUFI, President of the Toulouse Football Cœur Foundation. “It is a great honor to co-organize this match and contribute to promoting French football that is more open and accessible to everyone.”
Marian OTAMENDI, Co-founder and General Director of the World Football Summit, adds, “We are very proud to see The Most Inclusive Match cross borders for the first time. Football has the power to break barriers – and to fully realize this potential, we must ensure the game truly reaches everyone.”
José SOARES, Chief Associated Executive of Integrated Dreams, emphasizes the significance of the partnership: “We are delighted to partner…and we look forward to celebrating, next March in Toulouse, a great moment dedicated to inclusion!”
Jérôme BELAYGUE, Director of Communications and CSR at the Professional Football League, highlights the broader impact: “Accessibility…constitutes one of the major axes of #1TEAM. We are very proud to be able to support Toulouse FC and Integrated Dreams…and to share the results with all the clubs at its conclusion.”
The Future of Inclusive Football: A Global Movement
The expansion of the “Most Inclusive Match” to France isn’t an isolated event. It’s part of a growing global movement to make sports accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. As stadiums become more inclusive, and as clubs prioritize accessibility in their CSR strategies, we can expect to see a more diverse and engaged fanbase. This isn’t just good for people with disabilities; it’s good for the sport itself. A truly inclusive football experience enriches the game for all, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Keep checking back with archyde.com for ongoing coverage of this important initiative and the latest developments in accessible sports.
