A record-breaking number of clubs participated in Level Playing Field’s Unite For Access campaign.
Involvement from 100% of Sky Bet Championship clubs, helped take the total number of teams beyond 120.
The campaign, which was rebranded for 2023, ran from February 25 to March 12 and focused on raising awareness and driving equality, to bring about more inclusive match day experiences for disabled sports fans.
Chair of Level Playing Field, Tony Taylor, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response of supporters, disabled supporters’ associations and clubs, to our ‘Unite For Access’ campaign.
“With the return of fans, we knew last season would be special. Surpassing that success this time around, has been a phenomenal achievement.
“The success has not just been in the numbers. Real change has taken place at stadiums across England and Wales over the past fortnight, with some game-changing initiatives introduced.
“Now, it is the responsibility of ourselves, supporters, disabled supporters’ associations, clubs and governing bodies, to ensure the momentum is not lost and we continue to improve standards.”
The ‘Unite For Access’ campaign saw participation from the Premier League, right through to non-league clubs.
At the top level, Manchester City celebrated 25 years of providing audio descriptive commentary, while in Sky Bet League Two, Stevenage gave a young disabled supporter the opportunity to lead the team out.
One of the most memorable moments of the campaign, came when the national anthem was once again performed alongside a British Sign Language interpreter, ahead of the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley.
The EFL’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, David McArdle said: “We are delighted to see how successful this year’s ‘Unite for Access’ campaign has been and it’s particularly pleasing to see the huge support provided from clubs across the EFL as they strive to become fully representative of the communities in which they serve.
“The Championship is one of the best attended divisions across European football and participation from every club will have provided great visibility to Unite for Access, running alongside the EFL’s own ‘Together’ month of activity.”
Showcasing in the Sky Bet Championship, where the campaign received unanimous support, will continue in front of the Sky Sports cameras tonight, when Wigan Athletic host Coventry City.
Some other clubs will also continue to mark ‘Unite For Access’ outside of the main window for activity, with organisations from other sports also welcomed.
To find out more, or speak with people involved in this important provision, get in touch with Level Playing Field.