General manager & head of access and development, Ruth Hopkins, is celebrating a decade of improving access and inclusion for disabled sports fans with Level Playing Field.
When Ruth joined the charity on 29 April 2013, she was the only fulltime member of staff, but has been an essential part of its growth and impact upon the industry since then.
The organisation was highly football focused upon her arrival, but has since diversified across sports, including the Rugby World Cup and Cricket World Cup.
During Ruth’s time at Level Playing Field, all national stadia across England and Wales have been audited and the Premier League made a promise to ensure that all clubs comply with the Accessible Stadia Guide.
Ruth said: “There has been a dramatic shift in attitudes since I joined Level Playing Field.
“It was a real struggle to engage people, with the Equality Act (2010) only three years old at the time, but access is now on their agendas more than it ever was.
“Facilities like sensory rooms and changing places are now becoming commonplace and our CPD training has seen significant improvements in the relevant skillsets of matchday staff.
“The growing number of disabled supporters’ associations is strengthening local networks across England and Wales and more dedicated staff at club level has led to increased provisions for disabled supporters.
“Football leads on access, particularly at the Premier League level, so now other sports need to catch up.”
Ruth’s responsibilities at Level Playing Field have been far reaching, including support for DSAs, parliament representation, sitting on consultancy panels and originally being the sole access auditor. The growth of the charity has allowed some of these roles to be taken on by others, but she now leads on the rewrite of the Accessible Stadia Guide.
Ruth added: “There has never been a day I regret coming to Level Playing Field.
“I love meeting people and working with our team of passionate staff.
“In the rewrite of the Accessible Stadia Guide, I am adding more clarity on standards and examples of good practice.
“You can see with the growth of our Weeks of Action – now Unite For Access, that the appetite is there to keep on improving.
“With our talented team and the greater care governing bodies are now showing towards disabled fans, I am optimistic for the future.”
The impact Ruth has made in her decade at Level Playing Field has been felt by many, with congratulatory messages coming in from supporters, DSAs, colleagues and former colleagues alike.
Chair of Level Playing Field, Tony Taylor, said: “Ruth has made an immense contribution – not only to Level Playing Field, but also for disabled supporters around the country.
“Her incredibly strong technical skills have been instrumental in building the organisation into the leader in our area of operation.
“Ruth’s dedication is exceptional, and I am proud to call her a colleague and friend. The loyalty she has shown to the charity, its principles and objectives, as well as to my fellow Trustees, is something that I greatly value.
“On behalf of the Trustees of Level Playing Field, many congratulations to Ruth on this significant work anniversary.”
If you are interested in the work Ruth and others do and want to find out more, please get in touch with Level Playing Field.