Level Playing Field is delighted to announce the launch of the 2022 Weeks of Action campaign, in partnership with clubs across the Premier League and the English Football League (EFL).
From Saturday 26 February to Sunday 13 March, disabled sports fans, clubs, Disabled Supporters Associations (DSAs), and other partners across England and Wales will come together to celebrate disability access and inclusion, as well as the immense power that attending live sport can have on a person’s well-being.
The global pandemic has amplified how important watching live sport together as a community has on a person’s well-being, which should never be underestimated.
Level Playing Field want to celebrate how crucial it is for all fans to have this opportunity no matter their disability and what clubs do to deliver this.
Live sport provides community, energy, choice, and a sense of unity. That is why this year’s Weeks of Action campaign is vital as ever in highlighting the importance of live sport with fans after many months without them.
This year’s campaign film we feel captures the power of attending live sport.
Over the coming weeks, we will see clubs across the sporting leagues backing the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action campaign through education, projects and matchday events. They will also highlight the real-life experiences of disabled and vulnerable supporters both during the suspension and now with the return of fans harnessing the message of the importance of watching live sport.
Tony Taylor, Level Playing Field Chair, said: “The importance of live sport on an individual’s well-being goes far deeper than just watching a match. It offers a sense of community and togetherness that combats isolation and provides many benefits.
“The past two years have demonstrated that not going to watch your team and instead watching, for some, alone at home has a significant impact on a person’s well-being. That’s why this year, we are excited and determined to highlight the importance of fans being back in their seats cheering on their team.
“It’s also important to recognise that clubs have missed their loyal fan base. We have seen during the pandemic clubs across the country have gone above and beyond to support their fans and should be commended. These two weeks also celebrates the bond between a club and its supporters.
“Watching or having the opportunity to watch live sport in person should never be underestimated. For some, it’s everything and together we can unite for access for all.”