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Weeks of Action review: Championship

We take a look at the League 2 clubs that took part in our #WeeksOfAction celebrations over our biggest weekend of the campaign.
Coventry CityMillwallNorwich CityStoke CitySwansea CityWatfordWycombe Wanderers

The Weeks of Action campaign continued into its second week with huge support from the Championship. Several clubs participated over the middle weekend of the campaign, with some others showing their support prior, and on the following days.

Tuesday 3rd March

Watford recognised the Weeks of Action campaign by holding an online pre-match meet-up for members of Watford FC Enables, the club’s disabled supporters’ association, ahead of their match against Wycombe Wanderers, during which members were able to put their questions to Hornets legends Richard Johnson and Tommy Mooney.

Richard Johnson and Tommy Mooney chat to Watford Enables. [Image: Watford FC]
Swansea City were part of our filming alongside the EFL to help launch the campaign. Club legend, now ambassador Lee Trundle led a ‘Zoom’ video chat, surprising Swansea superfan Eli and dad Greg, to chat about the experience at Liberty Stadium, including access and inclusion, and missing live sport as we approach a year without it.

Hosted by Lee Trundle, well-known freestyler Ash Randall and the Swansea City Community Trust, ‘The Margam Stags’ inclusion football team were treated to an online skill session.

‘The Margam Stags’ enjoying an online skill session. [Image: Swansea City FC]
The Swans also utilised Weeks of Action as an opportunity to announce their new partnership with ‘Swansea Deaf Centre and Talking Hands’, as the club looks to increase deaf and BSL awareness in the community.

Stoke City players posed with a Weeks of Action banner during a training session ahead of the fixture vs Wycombe Wanderers.

Stoke City players Christian Phelps Norton and Kieran Coates supporting Weeks of Action during a training session. [Image: Stoke City FC]
Norwich City highlighted the work of their ‘matchday buddy’ programme in a news article, designed to assist supporters with disabilities or mobility issues during every home game. Matchday buddies are available to help those that need assistance to their seats, assist with pre-match and half-time food/beverage orders and handing our ponchos in bad weather.

Speaking about her role as a matchday buddy, Sue said: “I have always volunteered in the community and I also love football, so when this opportunity arose, I couldn’t wait to get involved and help out.

“I would say that you need to be very mindful of the individual’s needs, and also convey patience and kindness to the people you help.”

Riki, also a matchday buddy, added: “I get great pleasure from helping others – giving something back – and I enjoy meeting new people and being helpful. It is lovely getting to see some of the matches, but the priority is the people you are helping, and you need to be prepared to put them before you.”

Defender Ben Gibson poses with the Level Playing Field shirt during training. [Image: Norwich City FC]
Coventry City shared images of the team warming-up in Level Playing Field t-shirts on social media and information about Level Playing Field on the club website.

[Image: Coventry City FC]
Coventry City players during the warm-up before their dedicated fixture. [Image: Coventry City FC]
In the build-up to their dedicated fixture, Millwall and the club’s Community Trust both backed the campaign on social media and on the club website. They chose to highlight the disability inclusion programmes they offered, including Premier League Kicks, City Bridge Trust – Inclusive Pride, and Every Player Counts, an initiative by the EFL Trust, which aims to get more people involved in sport, covering a wide range of disabilities.

The Lions also warmed-up in our t-shirts before their game against Blackburn Rovers at The Den.

Tuesday 9th March

Wycombe Wanderers become the second club to pledge a commitment to launching a disabled supporters association (DSA), after non-league side Altrincham also kick-started proceedings as part of Weeks of Action.

Fan’s Liaison Officer at Level Playing Field Liam Bird, who works closely with DSA’s, says: “DSA’s are the critical friend every club needs.

They provide support and an understanding outlook on how to go about bringing a more inclusive matchday experience for the biggest minority group in the UK.”

Thank you to all clubs involved for the support.

#WeeksOfAction continues to run until Sunday 14 March.

To get involved, email ben@levelplayingfield.org.uk