The start of the 2023/24 football season has seen an increased appetite from disabled fans across the pyramid to organise into groups which can help improve standards of accessibility and inclusion at their clubs.
Fans Liaison Officer at Level Playing Field, Liam Bird, met with Brighton & Hove Albion, Grimsby Town, Ipswich Town, Lincoln City and Oxford United fans, last week alone.
Supporters of these five clubs join a number of others looking to formalise a new collective voice for disabled fans. In many instances, this is set to lead to the birth of new disabled supporters’ associations (DSAs), which have repeatedly proven to be extremely effective elsewhere in the country.
“The appetite from fans to come together at so many different clubs has been really encouraging,” said Liam.
“We always find that a unified voice is incredibly powerful when trying to bring about change.
“It has also been pleasing to see cooperation from many clubs themselves in hosting disabled fans’ forums. This emphasises their understanding of the benefits DSAs can provide as critical friends.
“Disabled supporters’ associations have been helping to improve access and inclusion at their respective clubs for decades now, and we have seen that extended in recent years with DSAs formed since the pandemic.
“I would ask anyone interested in being part of a disabled supporters’ association, or starting up a new group to please get in touch with us to see where we can assist.”
You can learn more about disabled supporters’ associations here, or email Liam directly: liam@levelplayingfield.org.uk