Weeks of Action 2015

This year's Weeks of Action campaign proved to be a huge success with a range of activities taking place around England and Wales celebrating the theme of ‘Access and Inclusion’

Between 18th April and 3rd May, many clubs and disabled supporters associations marked this year’s campaign in style by showcasing the work that they do in partnership with their disabled supporters, as well as featuring LPF in matchday programmes and feature stories.

In addition to this, many organisations also backed this year’s Weeks of Action on social media, and our Thunderclap initiative alone reached almost 200,000 people. We also had some high profile supporters from the world of sport who got behind the campaign which contributed to making 2015 the most successful Weeks of Action to date.

Here are just a few of the activities put on to mark Weeks of Action 2015:

Level Playing Field wishes to thank everyone who contributed to making this year’s Weeks of Action such a success.

Supporting statements

Joyce Cook, OBE, Chair of Level Playing Field

‘As Chair of Level Playing Field I am delighted to welcome in the 2015 Weeks of Action campaign. It is heartening to see the efforts that many clubs, partners and individuals are demonstrating in promoting equal access and inclusion. It is always important to highlight the positive works undertaken when tackling discrimination and over the next fortnight there will be events around the country to celebrate disabled sports fans. The LPF Weeks of Action aim to raise awareness, share examples of best practice, and to show that even small adjustments can make a significant difference. This campaign gives clubs the chance to send a clear message to their fans that they are truly committed to providing equal access and inclusion for all. On behalf of the LPF trustees and staff, we send our warmest thanks to everyone involved for playing their part in ensuring this year’s campaign is a resounding success.’

David Bernstein, CBE, President of Level Playing Field

‘As President of Level Playing Field, I am proud to be supporting this year’s Weeks of Action campaign. We all have a responsibility to ensure that sport is truly inclusive and that disability is not a barrier to attending sporting events. LPF continues to seek accessible facilities and services at all levels of the game. This campaign provides clubs with a great opportunity to show their support and I wish success to everyone involved in this year’s events.’

June Wratten, LPF Ambassador and Head of LPF Awards

‘The LPF Weeks of Action is a great initiative which puts access and inclusion issues in sport firmly in the spotlight. I cannot emphasise enough how important it is for clubs at all levels to embrace all of its supporters. It was only because of the diligent and hard work done by the LPF team advising and encouraging clubs on how to provide good access, facilities and services that made visits to various stadiums possible for my disabled son Joseph. He loved his football and I’m proud to support an organisation which helps give other disabled fans the same opportunity to engage in and enjoy matchdays.’

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, DBE, 11 time Paralympic Games gold medallist and Cross Bench Peer of the the House of Lords

‘I am delighted to offer my full support to Level Playing Field during their Weeks of Action. Many disabled people already enjoy sport as both a participant and a spectator. However we must ensure that our sports venues are accessible and welcoming to everyone, to give more disabled people the opportunity to attend and enjoy live sports events. Level Playing Field does fantastic work around fan engagement and I’m sure this year’s Weeks of Action will help to raise awareness to ensure a more equitable fan experience across all sports.’

Danny Mills, Level Playing Field Ambassador, TV pundit and ex-player – Manchester City, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Charlton, Hull City, Derby, Norwich and England

‘It is with great pleasure that I support this year’s Weeks of Action campaign. Visiting a sports venue should be accessible to everyone, from buying tickets to matches to having a good view of the action, and being able to sit with family and friends. Sadly this is not the experience for many disabled fans. The Level Playing Field Weeks of Action campaign is a great way of celebrating diversity and promoting the serious message of accessibility for all. I encourage everyone to get behind our campaign and to help make a difference.’

Neville Southall, Ex Footballer – Everton and Wales

‘It is with great pleasure that I can offer my support to Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action 2015. In my career playing football what was always noticeable was the passion of the supporters, and how simply going to the game brought so many people together. It is vital that all sport venues should ensure disability is not a barrier to enjoying that same feeling and passion. I wish those taking part in this year’s campaign every success.’

Mike Blair, Rugby Union player – Newcastle Falcons and former Scotland captain

‘I am delighted to be able to support Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action and the excellent work they do for disabled supporters. Disability is not always visible and it is important to highlight this both in sport and the wider society. As someone with colour blindness I know first-hand the challenges that having a ‘hidden’ disability can bring in terms of enjoying every day events such as watching or playing sport. Level Playing Field do a great job of raising awareness of the many challenges disabled fans face and works to remove the barriers that prevent disabled people doing something they love. I wish them every success with their promotional work over the next few weeks and beyond.’

Kevin Miles, Chief Executive of the Football Supporters Federation (FSF)

‘The FSF is delighted to back Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action 2015. LPF plays a vital role in making football more accessible for disabled supporters and educating the wider fan-base as to the barriers which are sometimes faced. We look forward to working with LPF in the coming weeks, months and seasons, to help build upon the great work they do – football must be open to everyone.’