Access and inclusion for disabled fans was a focus for clubs across women’s football, as they took part in Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign.
Matchdays saw new teams get involved, while there was also growth in collaboration with disabled supporters’ association and increased engagement centrally from the FA and FAW.
Games in the Barclays Women’s Super League included Aston Villa hosting the club’s overall dedicated fixture at Villa Park, while on West Ham United’s matchday, the disabled supporters’ association had the opportunity to address their fellow fans and in the Barclays Women’s Championship, Blackburn Rovers doubled-up with the men’s team on the opening weekend of the campaign, to pack it with celebrations.
Level Playing Field was pleased to join Chelsea and Manchester City fans at the Subway Women’s League Cup Final, as disabled supporters’ association members from both sides came together ahead of the match.
In the Bute Energy Welsh Cup, The New Saints and Cardiff City both showed their support for the ‘Unite For Access’ campaign, in a double-header which saw their male counterparts do the same in the JD Welsh Cup.
Activity has continued outside of the main window, with Wolves Women taking part at Sunday’s match against West Bromwich Albion.
Level Playing Field’s chief executive, Owain Davies, said: “It was a pleasure to join disabled fans of both teams at the Subway Women’s League Cup Final and have some important discussions on accessibility in the women’s game.
“Other Level Playing Field representatives were pleased to be part of ‘Unite For Access’ celebrations at Arsenal and the Bute Energy Welsh Cup Semi-Final. Those opportunities to speak directly with disabled fans and staff delivering on access and inclusion, are always highlights of the campaign.
“We have been encouraged by the overall engagement this year and particularly by the increased collaborations with disabled supporters’ associations.
“I would like to thank all of the teams who got involved this year, as well as the FA and FAW for their support centrally.
“With continued growth in the women’s game, we want to ensure that progress on accessibility is a priority. Putting it in the spotlight through the campaign was therefore of huge importance, as we look towards the rest of the year.”
Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign took place during March 1-16, following the launch by Patron of the charity, Roy Hodgson.
The campaign involved more than 100 teams across England and Wales, including participation in the men’s games from clubs in the Premier League, EFL and beyond. For more information, visit the Level Playing Field website, or email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk