Level Playing Field has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Football Content Awards 2023, in the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award – Organisation category.
Voting is now open on the Football Content Awards website and closes on Sunday 15 October.
Dubbed ‘The Oscars of the Football Content Industry,’ the awards were originally founded in 2012, with both Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Awards for organisations and individuals introduced as new categories this year.
Level Playing Field have been recognised for its advocacy on behalf of disabled sports fans across England and Wales. The charity uses its online presence to push for improved access and inclusion.
This year’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign was the first under its new name and broke engagement records, with more than 120 professional clubs participating, including 100% of the Sky Bet Championship. The 2023 Level Playing Field Annual Fan Survey received a 30% increase in responses on the previous year, to surpass 1750.
The charity’s website content has brought attention to positive stories from disabled fans, while also challenging those responsible for inadequacies and The Level Playing Field Podcast continues educate and provide a platform for important discussion and disabled voices within sport.
Founder of the Football Content Awards, Anthony Cooper, said: “The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Awards are a new addition for this year, and it has already been great to recognise so many organisations and individuals for the important work they do.
“Level Playing Field were nominated by a member of the judging panel, in addition to all of the public nominations they received.
“The charity carry out vital work on behalf of disabled fans, to improve access and inclusion, and we are pleased to have them shortlisted as one of the organisations in contention to win the award in its inaugural year.”
This year’s awards ceremony will be hosted at Anfield, with past events held at Old Trafford, The Etihad, Alexandra Palace, National Football Museum, Selhurst Park, Royal Lancaster and Hotel Football.
Level Playing Field media & communications officer, Joseph Crabtree, said: “The introduction of categories for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is a positive step for the Football Content Awards and we are pleased to have been nominated on their debut.
“We join some other organisations and individuals dedicated to inclusion across football, so are proud to be recognised alongside them for our work on behalf of disabled fans.
“Our online content is something we take great care over. We are mindful of our own standards of communication, when it is one of the key areas raised as a barrier disabled fans face across sports.
“It is also clear that this year, our content has been effective in sharing our key messages on the importance of access and inclusion, as well as looking to educate and inform.
“Putting together this content, would not be possible without the fans and disabled supporters’ associations that provide us with material and we are also thankful to clubs, governing bodies and other organisations for their assistance.”
Level Playing Field has been nominated alongside Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC, Cardiff Dragons, EatSleep Media, GayGooners, Her Game Too, Kick It Out, Oldham Athletic DSA, Rainbow Blades, Sporting Equals.
Voting is open to everyone on the Football Content Awards website, so everyone is encouraged to share the opportunity before the Sunday 15 October deadline.