Newcastle UnitedNewcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special celebration for its members and supporters at St. James’ Park, on Friday 29 September.
NUDSA was set up by a small group of Newcastle fans in 1998 to represent disabled supporters and help improve disability provisions at the club. Throughout its existence, the disabled supporters’ association has been run by a voluntary Committee that has worked closely with officials at the club.
During its quarter-century of existence, NUDSA have helped drive improvements in provisions for disabled fans at the club. This included, helping integrate wheelchair user spaces around St. James’ Park during the ground’s redevelopment, improvements for ambulant disabled fans at the stadium and the installation of two changing places facilities.
The disabled supporters’ association place value on maintaining a positive relationship with the club. It established the ‘NUDSA Player of The Year Award’ and holds a minimum of four functions a year at St. James’ Park.
NUDSA also provides directly for members by organising away trips, updating them through the ‘Toon Times’ newsletter, which Level Playing Field has been pleased to contribute towards on a number of occasions, and its Zebras section for junior NUDSA members.
NUDSA Secretary and Level Playing Field ambassador, Paralympian Stephen Miller MBE, said: “It’s amazing to think how far NUDSA has come in 25 years.
“Our first event was held in the bar at Gateshead Stadium with about 50 people and now we have 200 guests at our events, unbelievable!
“The success of NUDSA is down to the Committee, who all give their time for free to help drive the association, and our members who support everything we do. Hopefully, we can keep growing and do even more.”
Fans Liaison Officer at Level Playing Field, Liam Bird, said: “NUDSA is a fantastic example of what a disabled supporters’ association can become, with sustained effort from a committed group of fans.
“To reach a quarter of a century and be in such a strong position, is a fantastic achievement and should serve as inspiration to newer DSAs.
“During that time, they have driven meaningful changes, which have improved the matchday experiences of their fellow disabled fans.
“It was a pleasure to speak with some of the people involved in those successes at this celebration.
“On behalf of Level Playing Field, I am pleased to share our congratulations with NUDSA and we look forward to working alongside each other over the next 25 years.”
Liam joined 200 guests at St. James’ Park, for the anniversary event, sponsored by RayFire Services. The night was full of entertainment and a draw with prizes donated by the club, Alan Shearer, Stephen Miller and Living North. All proceeds from the night will help to fund future NUDSA events and activities, whilst also securing the charity’s long-term future.
NUDSA Chairman, Joe Ayton said: “I’m very proud of what NUDSA has achieved both in our work with NUFC and in the opportunities we provide for our members.
“This event was a fitting celebration of NUDSA’s journey over the past 25 years. Long may it continue.”
NUDSA Treasurer, Ros Miller said “Having been involved in NUDSA from the start, it’s great to see how NUDSA has developed and how many people we’ve helped over the years.
“It has been a lot of hard work to establish NUDSA and keep it going, but the rewards are brilliant when you can help people experience the thrill of football.”
You can learn more about disabled supporters’ associations here, or email: liam@levelplayingfield.org.uk
To find out more about Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA), visit its website, or email: info@nudsa.org