The 2025/26 season has been another memorable one for Grimsby Town Ability Counts, with players, coaches and volunteers continuing to demonstrate the power of inclusive football both on and off the pitch.

Competing in the Lincolnshire Ability Counts League, the club once again fielded multiple teams across the county’s pan-disability competition, providing opportunities for players of different abilities to represent Grimsby Town in a competitive and supportive environment. With league success, cup final appearances and individual achievements throughout the campaign, it has been a season packed with memorable moments.

Now more than a decade since its formation, the Lincolnshire Ability Counts League continues to go from strength to strength, providing regular competitive opportunities for disabled footballers across the county. Unlike traditional leagues, fixtures are played through monthly festival events held at central venues, with the league split into four Winter League rounds and four Spring league rounds. Points accumulated throughout each round determine the league standings.

The league is built around a pan-disability model, meaning players are grouped by ability rather than disability, creating competitive and inclusive football for everyone involved. The competition currently operates across four divisions – Premiership, Championship, League One, and League Two – with Grimsby Town represented throughout the structure.

Premiership Success

Grimsby Town Ability Counts Premiership enjoyed another excellent campaign competing against some of the strongest inclusive football teams in Lincolnshire. The side were crowned champions of the 2025/26 Winter Premiership, finishing top of the table with nine wins from twelve matches and accumulating 27 points. A goal difference of +21 highlighted the attacking quality and consistency shown throughout the season.

Key victories included a 5-1 win over Boston United Positive Pilgrims, a 7-4 success against Barton Athletic and a dominant 9-0 victory over fellow Grimsby side GTACFC White. The team carried that momentum into the Spring Premiership, securing a strong second-place finish behind Boston United after collecting 20 points from their twelve fixtures.

Among the standout results were victories over Boston United, Lincoln United LGBTQ and Barton Athletic, demonstrating the team’s ability to compete with the very best sides in the division.

Championship Campaigns

Grimsby Town’s Championship sides experienced contrasting fortunes across the season but continued to show tremendous commitment and development.

GTACFC White competed strongly throughout the Spring Championship campaign and finished third in the table, recording four wins and two draws. Notable performances included impressive victories over Grimsby Town League 1 and a valuable win away to Lincoln United Reds.

Meanwhile, Grimsby Town Ability Counts League 1 battled hard in a challenging division featuring two strong Lincoln United sides. While results proved difficult to come by, the squad’s determination and resilience never wavered, providing valuable development opportunities for players throughout the campaign.

Earlier in the Winter Championship competition, Ability Counts Champ 1 produced a strong title-winning season, finishing top of the standings with 27 points from 18 matches. The side recorded impressive victories over Lincoln United, Bottesford Town and Barton Inclusive FC to secure first place.

League Two Glory for GTACFC Yellow

One of the biggest success stories of the season came in League Two, where GTACFC Yellow were crowned Spring League champions. The side enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning 11 of their 16 matches and finishing top of the table with 37 points. Their consistency proved the difference as they edged out Barton Inclusive FC by a single point, finishing with just one defeat all season.

Highlights included victories over Bottesford Town Lions, Lincoln United Greens and fellow Grimsby side League 2, while impressive defensive performances saw the team become one of the division’s most difficult sides to beat.

The League 2 side also enjoyed positive moments throughout the season, finishing third in the Spring League and producing some excellent performances, including victories over Lincoln United Greens and important derby successes against GTACFC Yellow.

County Cup and Plate Finals Day

The CJ Conversions County Disability Cup and Plate Finals Day brought together teams from across Lincolnshire to celebrate another fantastic season of inclusive football. Grimsby Town Ability Counts Red narrowly missed out on a place in the County Disability Plate Final following a hard-fought 1-0 semi-final defeat. The side later faced Boston United in the third-place play-off.

In the County Disability Cup, Grimsby Town Ability Counts Black produced one of the performances of the day to defeat Lincoln United LGBTQ 3-0 and secure a place in the final. The final saw a rematch with Lincoln Invictus for the second consecutive year. Despite creating several good opportunities and delivering another strong performance, the Mariners were narrowly beaten 2-0.

While silverware ultimately proved elusive, reaching the latter stages of both county competitions once again underlined the quality and continued progress of the programme.

Individual Recognition

There was also individual success during the campaign, with Ricky Kiedyk receiving two Player of the Day awards during the Spring League season in recognition of a series of outstanding performances.

His achievements reflected the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by players throughout all of the club’s Ability Counts teams.

More Than Football

The success of Grimsby Town Ability Counts extends far beyond results and league tables. The programme continues to provide opportunities for participants to develop confidence, make friendships, improve their physical wellbeing and enjoy representing the Football Club in a competitive environment.

Supported by dedicated coaches, volunteers and families, the programme remains a shining example of the Grimsby Town Foundation’s commitment to ensuring football is accessible for everyone. As the season draws to a close, everyone connected with Grimsby Town Ability Counts can look back with pride on another year of achievement, development and enjoyment.

Congratulations to all players, coaches, volunteers and supporters for their contributions throughout the 2025/26 season.

UTM