The first week of Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign, has seen celebrations of access and inclusion for disabled sports fans taking place across the country.
Representatives from the charity were pleased to join up with fans, disabled supporters’ associations and club staff throughout the divisions.
Activity included the unveiling of three first of their kind player murals outside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which feature audio description (AD) services for blind and partially sighted fans. Audio description was also a focus for Fulham and Manchester City, who introduced a new app-based addition to their service.
Wigan Athletic shared the story of a young fan with epilepsy, before launching their disabled supporters’ association on matchday and Derby County showcased their accessible facilities from the perspective of two disabled supporters.
Rotherham United Disabled Supporters’ Association hosted a Mayoral visit and Fleetwood Town celebrated the successful impact sensory packs have had on fans’ matchdays.
Everton Disabled Supporters’ Association joined club ambassador Ian Snoddin and accessibility stewards pitch side, and a quiet hour in the official store was announced, while young disabled fan, Alfie, enjoyed his moment leading the team out.
AFC Bournemouth Disabled Supporters’ Association members took the opportunity to educate their fellow supporters on making matchdays more accessible for everyone, and Newcastle United introduced a new programme of accessible stadium tours.
Level Playing Field’s head of club relations and development, Daniel Townley, said: “We have been really pleased by the amount of activity during the first week of the campaign
“I started out with matchdays in the EFL. On the eve of the campaign, I was at Bristol City, who showcased the accessible facilities at Ashton Gate, for existing disabled fans and those interested in attending.
“At Port Vale, there were young disabled fans as flag bearers and the club was giving attention to its sensory packs.
“Then in the Premier League, I was pleased to join the disabled supporters’ association and club staff at Arsenal, where the focus was on the installation of stoma friendly toilet facilities being finalised, which was great to see.
“Midweek, I was then at Bournemouth, where Unite For Access has been a priority for the club this season. It was a pleasure to join the disabled supporters’ association on their stand at the game, where we had the opportunity to speak with other fans.
“Beyond that, there was so much more taking place at grounds across the county.
“Now, we are looking forward to even more activity throughout the campaign, as we celebrate access and inclusion for disabled fans.”
There was further involvement across many other clubs, including sides in the Enterprise National League and JD Cymru Premier showing their support.
Last week, Level Playing Field’s Patron, Roy Hodgson, launched ‘Unite For Access’ with a film which has the experiences of disabled fans at its core.
The campaign is running from February 28 to March 15, with the momentum set to continue this coming weekend.
For more information, or to get involved, please get in touch with Level Playing Field.