Newly formed disabled supporters’ associations have had a significant impact in their first year of ‘Unite For Access’ campaign activity.
Disabled supporters’ associations (DSAs) joined clubs and other fans across England and Wales in the celebration of access and inclusion for disabled sports fans.
Level Playing Field’s fans liaison officer, Liam Bird, shared he has been particularly impressed by the work of Seagulls Disabled Supporters’ Association, Coventry City Disabled Supporters’ Association, Hull City Disabled Supporters’ Association, Lincoln City Disabled Supporters’ Association and All Access Albion.
Bird said: “It has been really pleasing to see the different ways in which so many disabled supporters’ associations have got behind ‘Unite For Access’ this year.
“We have been particularly impressed by how those in their first year have seized the opportunity. In all cases, they have used it as a platform for themselves, but beyond that have been able to further develop working relationships with their respective clubs around meaningful activity.
“The campaign offers a great opportunity to showcase disabled supporters’ associations to potential members, but in many cases, they have also taken on the chance to educate nondisabled fans with the context of their own experiences – something which was central to our hopes for this year.
“It has also been great to see some examples of collaboration between disabled supporters’ associations, whether that has been matchday meetups or as simple as support on social media, and when those more established are supportive of newly formed groups it is really encouraging.”
While not a new DSA, Manchester City Disabled Supporters’ Association celebrated its relaunch during the campaign, having originally been founded in 1999.
During ‘Unite For Access’, disabled fans at other clubs looked to progress plans to establish disabled supporters’ associations of their own. Peterborough United are still looking for expressions of interest and you can find out full details here.
If you would like to find out more about any of the disabled supporters’ associations mentioned further up, then please email them at the addresses below.
seagulls.dsa@gmail.com
SkyBluesDSA@gmail.com
hullcitydsa.com/contact-us
impsdsa@gmail.com
contact@allaccessalbion.co.uk
ManchesterCityDSA@gmail.com
You can learn more about disabled supporters’ associations here, or email Liam directly: liam@levelplayingfield.org.uk