At Level Playing Field, we’re proud to work alongside hundreds of DSA members who volunteer their time to support and advocate for tens of thousands of sport loving disabled supporters.
From the behemoth Premier League teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal to the non-league clubs of FC United of Manchester, Notts County and AFC Wrexham, there are DSAs who are hard at work making sure they are advocating the voice of their disabled fan base.
Although the coronavirus pandemic has limited DSAs physical side of their work, many have moved online to provide advice and assurances during these unpredictable times.
We Invited several members of DSAs across England and Wales to tell their stories of why they give up so much of their time and dedication to supporting DSAs, with little glimpse into the work that they do.
Cath Dyer – Secretary of the Swansea City DSA.
“I have an autistic adult daughter and a deaf, bipolar daughter who also has anxieties and agoraphobia – the struggles for support and to be included can be extremely difficult – which we are fully aware of.
I understand how hard it is for disabled people to feel included, and to be able to attend places without feeling uncomfortable and struggling.
I was part of the committee that formed the DSA back in April 2013, as I wanted to ensure that all disabled supporters have the opportunity to join a group and have the chance to relax within that group. Everyone needs to feel that they are loved, and we are since known as “one big happy family” – something I, personally, am so proud of.
“I have an autistic adult daughter, and a deaf, bipolar daughter who also has anxieties and agoraphobia – the struggles for support and to be included can be extremely difficult – which we are fully aware of.
I understand how hard it is for disabled people to feel included, and to be able to attend places without feeling uncomfortable and struggling.
I was part of the committee that formed the DSA back in April 2013, as I wanted to ensure that all disabled supporters have the opportunity to join a group and have the chance to relax within that group. Everyone needs to feel that they are loved, and we are since known as “one big happy family” – something I, personally, am so proud of.
I am so pleased that I have been able to help our DSA members and have formed a bond with many and I am able to call them my friends now.
Making a difference in order to help them enjoy everything to do with football is so important, and attending our social events encourages them all to mix and enjoy – and they certainly do. Caring for our members is our priority.
It is important that the DSA continues to grow and support our members and other disabled supporters. During these difficult times of COVID 19, we have held competitions and kept in regular contact with our members, which is always appreciated.
We are also lucky that Swansea City Football Club are very supportive of the DSA. Prior to COVID-19, we used to meet regularly with the DAO of the club, and other representatives for monthly meetings. This is something that helps us work together and share ideas and suggestions.
Some days I am unable to access the DSA email and Facebook until late at night – but I always try and ensure I check daily in case there are any messages that need answering. Days here can be very busy, with our 2 daughters, but there is always 10 minutes here and there to check on our members too.”
If you would like to know more about Swansea City DSA please email: secswandsa@gmail.com.
Kevin Holden – Chair of Burnley DSA
“There is, and always will be, a need to keep football supporters with disabilities at the forefront of our Club’s mindsets.
At Burnley FC, the Disabled Supporters Association, or the BDSA as we call ourselves, have successfully become part of the Club’s structure, by holding regular monthly meeting with the Club’s CEO and senior management.
As a “team” we produce action plans to respond to the needs of all supporters with all disabilities.
Burnley FC have been fantastic in supporting our website and looking jointly at ways to promote our free membership, particularly online.
So why we do it? It is hard voluntary work and yes emotionally challenging at times…but the reward comes in the thanks from a supporter who was enabled to attend their first game in years through the efforts of the BDSA.
So make a difference!!! All supporters with disabilities, whatever nature of their disability, and their families and assistants, should join their Clubs DSA.”
If you would like to know more about Burnley DSA Please email chair@bfcdsa.com.
Nick Saunders. Chair of Exeter City DSA
“The Exeter City Disabled Supporters Association is important to me as it gives the club’s fans with disabilities ‘A Voice to be Heard’. Working with like-minded fans, making friends in the process, and helping your club to improve accessible facilities or change club policy or mindset.
It’s very satisfying and rewarding working with others and makes you feel part of something but don’t get me wrong, it can get very hard at times and you may feel like giving up at first, especially when people don’t know who you are. However, if you take things one step at a time and keep calm and keep at it and don’t expect things to happen or done straight away, you’ll get there in the end and you will see change.
Once you get that mutual understanding with those you’re working with or at your club the rewards are massive for all fans with disabilities and this keeps you going as you know you’re doing good and not just for yourself but for others. Never give up trying.
If your club has a DSA and you can’t find details on them just contact your club directly and if there is one they should be able to give you their details or start by doing an internet search as quite a few DSAs have their own website or even Facebook page.
Their website could be very informative, and you can see what they have been up to and what projects they have undertaken for your club and find out how you can get involved.
You won’t regret it.”
If you would like to know more about Exeter City DSA Please email: ecfcdsa@gmail.com.
Mark Davies – Chair of Fulham DSA
“I know how much I’ve enjoyed going to football over the years. Being there is just so much being part of it, win, draw or lose.
It is great to feel part of a crowd cheering the team. It really brings people together, all supporting the team, regardless of age or background. And for a person with a disability to feel part of that is really important. It is a great way for disabled supporters to feel involved, feel the highs and lows, and that having a disability just does not affect what they can get from supporting the team.
If I can spend a little time helping to make supporters with disabilities have a better match day experience, then that is just as rewarding for me as being there to support Fulham.
It is important that disabled fans feel as part of the match day as everyone else, and sometimes there are issues which come up which can cause them difficulties.
Being part of a DSA helps offer assistance to the club to make them aware of difficulties that can affect disabled supporters visiting Craven Cottage and the we can offer advice and guidance on the club and hopefully fix them. It makes me feel like I am making a difference to someone, even if only in a small way at times.
We recently did a survey of supporters with disabilities. One of the fans who replied told me how going to matches and being helped by the club made him feel a real part of his community, and that was something he might not have felt if it wasn’t for going to football. He said that it had given him more confidence in the rest of his life.
Hearing stories like that make me glad to be involved, and I want to try to make opportunities like that available to more supporters.
One of the difficulties is trying to find ways to help a wide range of people, all of whom have different views on what their disability means, what they expect from others and what they want for themselves.
Finding the middle ground can be hard, but having the satisfaction of knowing that we’re all working to make things a bit better is enough for me.
If you are reading this and want to get involved, come along to our meetings (once we can do that again) and say hello on match days or just make contact with us via social media or via email.
We are still quite small, and we do what we can, but if we had more people involved then we can work and improve some of the ideas we already have and support us as we create ideas to improve access and inclusion in the future. More ideas are always welcome!”
If you would like to know more about Fulham DSA, please email: fulhamdsa@gmail.com.