Bolton Wanderers fan Morgan Parry was a special guest at the EFL’s first Disability Conference, held at Derby County’s Pride Park Stadium.
Morgan, who has celebral palsy, is a season ticket holder at the Macron Stadium and travelled to the recent 2014 World Cup and 2016 European Championships with his father Stephen. He was also Bolton Wanderers selected ‘Game Changer’ as part of Level Playing Field’s recent Weeks of Action campaign.
Watch Morgan’s story:
Stephen Parry praised Bolton for offering an inclusive and accessible matchday experience for Morgan:
“Bolton are such a family-orientated club, we watch home matches from the Duke of Lancaster suite because we are indoors and behind glass. We chose to sit there because when Morgan was younger, he was sensitive to sudden and loud noises. “We explained that to the club and they suggested the Duke of Lancaster suite, and it has worked out perfectly. The club have done so much, and for them to organise a wheelchair-accessible coach for away matches made such a huge impact, adding to everything else they have done, and we appreciate their efforts.”
The EFL Disability Conference was established to provide clubs and their fans with the opportunity to share good practice and raise awareness for disabled supporters attending football matches.
Morgan and Stephen spoke on the day about their experiences watching football with many other guest speakers, presentations and interactive sessions during the day including a presentation from Level Playing Field General Manager, Ruth Hopkins, and Access & Development Officer, Nicky Baker.Aneel Javed, Specialist Advisor of Inclusion at the EFL, was pleased with the outcome of the first ever Disability Conference. “It was a great turn out and we had a good format to the day with guest speakers and supporters with disabilities sharing their experiences when attending football matches,” Aneel explained. “We wanted to interact with all those in attendance and that was the reason behind the activities that were in place. “We wanted people to think about the fan first rather than their disability. When we do that, we will improve customer service and the match day experience to meet the needs for all.”
From: EFL
3.5.17