The second week of the 2017 Weeks of Action campaign is almost over with just one weekend of activities remaining where clubs, Disabled Supporters Association’s (DSAs) and fans are joining together to celebrate the ‘Game Changers’ of access & inclusion for disabled sports fans.
Once again the campaign has seen terrific support from clubs across the football pyramid putting on a range of activities celebrating the ‘Game Changers’ and joining together to promote a message of access and inclusion for disabled sports fans.
Club activities & promotions
Notts County marked Weeks of Action by focussing on their sensory room initiative which has been a ‘Game Changer’ for the club’s autistic supporters. The club told the story of Tyler Stephenson, daughter of the Magpies groundsman Trevor with a great blog post and promotional video which you can enjoy here: Football Family First – A game for us all to enjoy
Bradford City have dedicated the Weeks of Action fortnight to celebrating a variety of ‘Game Changers’ at the club and you can read their stories here. In addition to this, the club will be giving 100 tickets to young disabled supporters for their home game this weekend (18th March) so they can experience the live matchday experience, and perhaps become ‘Bantams’ for life.
Preston North End told the story of Albert, a lifelong PNE fan and the club’s search for a companion who could assist him at Deepdale on matchdays. Read Albert’s story here.
Bolton Wanderers got involved in the campaign by celebrating the ‘Game Changing’ work of young disabled fan Morgan Parry and his efforts to improve access & inclusion for disabled football fans. Read Morgan’s story here.
Luton Town put their work around dementia awareness in the spotlight as the Alzheimers Society delivered training to club staff before fans living with dementia were invited to Kenilworth Road on a matchday. Watch their video here.
We were also delighted to feature the work of Manisha Tailor and her work in setting up the Wingate & Finchley FC Disabled Fans Forum.
There were many more great initiatives, including at Reading & Rotherham.
Read our Weeks of Action #GameChangers blog posts:
Nathan’s story and the sensory room ‘Game Changers’
Kieran Reynolds Q & A – How can clubs be a ‘Game Changer’ for autistic fans
Amy Wilson Q & A – How can clubs be a ‘Game Changer’ for wheelchair users
Hadley’s story – how Changing Places can be a ‘Game Changer’ for disabled fans
Peter’s story – The experience of a colour blind supporter
A European perspective
Once again we were proud to align our Weeks of Action campaign with our friends and partners Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) for their Week of Action – Total Football Total Access.
There were a range of activities held across Europe celebrating a message of #totalaccess including at FC Barcelona, and Dutch legend Ruud Van Nistelrooy also offered a message of access and inclusion to mark a successful campaign. Read more here.
We even got to meet CAFE mascot Max Access! (pictured above)
With one weekend left to go in the 2017 Weeks of Action, there are still plenty of events and activities still planned to celebrate the ‘Game Changers’ and to spread a message of access and inclusion for disabled supporters. You can keep up to date with all that’s going on by following @lpftweets on Twitter and liking /lpftweets on Facebook.
Ruth Hopkins, General Manager of LPF said, “Our Weeks of Action campaign is an important event in the sporting calendar which gives us the opportunity to celebrate a positive message of access and inclusion for all. This year we are celebrating the ‘Game Changers’ who lead and inspire real change for all disabled supporters as we shine a light on the people and initiatives that can change the lives of disabled people’.
We also gained some high profile support for the campaign including David Bernstein, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Kick it Out – See who’s supporting Weeks of Action here.
Join us this Weeks of Action and celebrate the #GameChangers and get involved in the digital campaign here
Tweet us @lpftweets using hashtag #GameChangers to show your support for this years Weeks of Action campaign.