Today’s Premier League launch of the Fan Engagement Standard (FES) is welcomed by Level Playing Field.
The FES is designed to reinforce the commitment of Premier League clubs to ensuring long-term meaningful engagement with supporters.
Chair of Level Playing Field, Tony Taylor, said: “The introduction of this standard is a pleasing acknowledgement of the essential role fan engagement should play in decision making at clubs.
“Representation is a key part of this, therefore the inclusion of disabled fans at the heart of these new initiatives is a necessity.
“We urge clubs make use of this opportunity to utilise the informed perspectives of disabled fans and disabled supporters’ associations, in relation to their specific matchday experiences.
“Decisions for disabled people should be made by disabled people and we look forward to working with clubs on the implementation of the Fan Engagement Standard, in order to help ensure that is the case.
“It is vital that the senior staff and board members tasked with taking this forward, are aware of the challenges and barriers that disabled fans face and we are happy to assist clubs with the appropriate training and support.”
The FES will look to measure the varied and valuable work of clubs and fans in a practical way that helps to promote collaboration and the sharing of good practice. Further details can be found in the document published by the Premier League.
In relations to the launch, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “Supporters have always been the lifeblood of football and Premier League fans are known around the world for their passion and enthusiasm. There is no doubt they are essential to the ongoing success of the game, so I am delighted to introduce the new Fan Engagement Standard.
“It is vital we ensure the voices of supporters are not only heard in the stands, but also when it comes to having a say on key issues relating to their clubs. The Standard puts structures in place to establish consistency across the League and improve transparency.
“Clubs already carry out a great deal of work in this area, and the Standard is the next step in enhancing these collective efforts. It builds on existing work and is integral to ensuring fan consultation and regular dialogue is embedded across all policies and practices.”
For advice on how you can look to voice the opinions of disabled supporters, get in touch with Level Playing Field.