The Working Together Project was established in 2012, with further 3-year funding extending the project to 2015. The purpose of the project was to help disabled sporting supporters to form a unifying voice by establishing Disabled Supporters Associations (DSAs) which could raise awareness and cooperation between disabled fans, their clubs and their fellow non-disabled fans.
The project succeeded in establishing 15 DSAs in England and Wales that, together, we have gone on to improve for supporters. In the past, many of these supporters and their needs had been overlooked by their clubs, or simply seen as a tick box on a form.
The project has helped thousands of disabled fans up and down the country, read the testimonials below for more details.
Testimonials
Below is a sample of testimonials from key people who were actively involved in the Working Together project.
Secretary of Arsenal DSA
“Setting up the Arsenal Disabled Supporters’ Association could not have been done without the support of Arsenal Football Club and Level Playing Field. The support that LPF gave us was invaluable especially in writing our Constitution. They have supported us throughout the process of starting up our Association and have been supportive over the past few months. We are looking forward to working with LPF and Arsenal Football Club in running the first London Forum.”
Secretary of Bristol Rovers DS
“When we formed in May 2017, Level Playing Field was there from day one to provide valuable information and support. I have had many conversations and have exchanged plenty of emails with their team, especially Kieran Reynolds – Coordinator of their Working Together project. Having such guidance has meant we have been able to set up the DSA efficiently and have put in place best practices and procedures from the start. Without that help, we wouldn’t have got things up and running in the short time that we did, and ultimately that has allowed us to work on the issues that matter most far sooner.”
Chair of Wrexham DSA
“Level Playing Field have been with us throughout every step we have taken, from start up to where we are today. The wonderful team they have there are a priceless source of support, information and advice as well as being a great medium through which to enhance our contacts and expand our own presence. They are the first port of call for us when we need an answer to any of the many questions we have. We look forward to working with them long into the future and sharing our progress together”.
As you can see, positive work is being done but there is so much more to do. If you are interested in knowing more about setting up a DSA at your club or to find out if there is already an established DSA in your area, then take a look at our DSAs page.
We at Level Playing Field are here to help nurture new DSAs and help them grow while also being there for established DSAs to help with guidance and be a strong voice when needed.