Clubs across the Premier League came together to celebrate access and inclusion during Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign.
Matchdays were used as opportunities to launch new accessible services, such as big screen captioning at Arsenal and Manchester City, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s dementia packs.
Everton meanwhile looked to the future, as members of the Level Playing Field team were pleased to join disabled fans for a familiarisation tour at the new stadium, and Seamus Coleman became a patron of the Everton Disabled Supporters’ Association.
Strengthening ties with disabled supporters’ associations (DSAs) was a priority at other clubs such as Fulham, where Chair Mark Davies was invited to address the stadium from pitch side. Elsewhere, West Ham United produced a video to inform fellow supporters on their DSA’s work.
Clubs also took the opportunity to spotlight individual disabled fans. Newcastle United released a video that spotlighted the matchday experience for disabled supporters, Tottenham Hotspur focused on the impact of their sensory suite, and Brentford profiled blind and partially sighted supporters who attend with assistance dogs or use audio descriptive commentary.
Sensory rooms and assistance dogs have also been central at Southampton and Ipswich Town respectively. While the attention on individual fans at many clubs saw young disabled supporters join players as they walked out onto the field, including at Chelsea and Liverpool.
Beyond these activations, there were important steps taken on staff awareness training, visual representation for disabled fans and improved supporter consultation.
Level Playing Field’s Chief Executive, Owain Davies, said: “The level of involvement from Premier League clubs in this year’s campaign has been very encouraging.
“We have seen so much meaningful activity, which will positively impact the matchdays of many disabled fans going forward.
“I was personally delighted to join Crystal Palace, to speak in the Fanzone and where members of the disabled supporters’ association had the opportunity to meet with players before the match.
“Seeing strong interaction between clubs and disabled supporters’ associations was one of the highlights from this year’s campaign and we are keen to see that continue.
“The call to ‘Unite For Access’ brought us all together to celebrate access and inclusion for disabled fans and the importance of that remains.
“We are thankful to all of the clubs who took part and to the Premier League for their support in making the campaign such a success.”
Premier League Head of Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Kuljit Randhawa said: “Along with our clubs, we are committed to making the Premier League accessible to all supporters. It is fantastic to see new initiatives launched to promote inclusion on matchdays and non-matchdays for disabled supporters, and accessibility celebrated more widely.
“We are proud to continue to fund and support the work of Level Playing Field, and to help clubs with their ongoing work to embed inclusive environments across their operations through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard.”
Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign took place during March 1-16, following the launch by former Premier League manager, Roy Hodgson. This year’s official campaign launch film was shot at Brentford’s Gtech Community stadium and featured Fulham and Spurs supporters.
The campaign involved more than 100 teams across England and Wales, with further participation across the lower leagues and women’s game. To get in touch, please email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk