More EFL clubs have taken part in Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign than ever before.
100% of Sky Bet Championship and Sky Bet League One sides held celebrations of access and inclusion for disabled sports fans.
Matchdays presented opportunities to focus on new and improved facilities and services, such as a scheme for supporters with nonvisible disabilities at Stevenage, matchday buggies at Derby County, audio descriptive commentary at Exeter City, stoma friendly toilets at Barnsley, big screen British sign language from Hull City, sensory spaces at Stoke City, Grimsby Town and Bristol City, sensory packs at Cheltenham Town and a mobile changing places unit at Swansea City.
Clubs like Notts County, Huddersfield Town, Wrexham, Reading, Accrington Stanley and AFC Wimbledon gave prominence to disabled supporters’ associations, while Individual fans were spotlighted at Lincoln City, Wigan Athletic, Oxford United, Crawley Town, Swindon Town and Luton Town.
Young disabled fans were focuses for Rotherham United, sharing the experiences of a father and son, and at Blackburn Rovers, where disabled supporters took on matchday roles. There were also many instances of young fans accompanying players as they walked out onto the field, including at Sunderland and Middlesborough.
Coventry City and Harrogate Town were among the clubs to help supporters become more familiar with their disability access officers and some also used the opportunity to educate their wider fanbases, with Tranmere Rovers working alongside the disabled supporters’ association to discuss reporting abuse.
Away from matchdays, the memories group at West Bromwich Albion received attention and Preston North End held a familiarisation tour.
Level Playing Field’s head of club relations and development, Daniel Townley, said: “We are thrilled to have had our highest-ever level of engagement from across EFL clubs.
“There has been so much activity which will have a lasting impact on the experiences of disabled fans attending games, at so many clubs.
“On the eve of the campaign, it was my pleasure to be at Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland, with both teams warming up in ‘Unite For Access’ t-shirts to give an important visual representation of their commitment to access and inclusion. Local community groups had been invited, meaning a number of disabled people were attending their first ever match and it was so good to a be a part of what is a cherished memory for almost every fan.
“I was pleased to meet with disabled supporters and club staff at many games throughout the window and a particular highlight was at Stevenage, where we saw the fruition of a project that had been worked on as part of the disability access officer certificate training, that we partner with the EFL on
“We are grateful to every club that was involved and to the EFL for their ongoing support, in making ‘Unite For Access’ possible on this scale.
“The campaign reached its climax with the Carabao Cup Final and this week I have been pleased to have two Deaf Newcastle United fans join one of the training sessions in our current course with disability access officers. They have shared what the British sign language interpreter meant for inclusion on what was an unforgettable day for them and that element continues to be an important part of the campaign.”
David McArdle, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion a the EFL added: “It has been phenomenal to see so many of our Clubs support Unite for Access over the last few weeks. Ensuring football is a welcoming and inclusive experience for all fans is a priority for everyone at the EFL. Unite for Access increases an awareness and understanding of the matchday experience for supporters with a disability, and the range of events and initiatives held across EFL Clubs highlights how important it is to Clubs and fans alike. We are also delighted to hear that having a sign language interpreter at the Carabao Cup final continues to make a positive difference for our fans.”
Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign took place during March 1-16, following the launch by Patron of the charity, Roy Hodgson. This year’s official campaign launch film featured Derby County and QPR supporters.
The campaign involved more than 100 teams across England and Wales, with further participation across other leagues and women’s game. For more information, please email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk