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Weeks of Action: Week 3 review

The final weekend of the Weeks of Action campaign involved 16 teams across the Premier League and the EFL.

We crossed the 100-club mark last week, with a further 16 backing the campaign last weekend.

Before we review the club’s activity, on behalf of everyone at Level Playing Field, we’d like to thank all the Clubs, Disabled Supporter’s Associations, Foundations, Community Trusts, County FA’s Charities and other Organisations who have shown fantastic support in what has been a different, but memorable campaign, after what has been such a difficult time for sport and its fans.

Premier League

Leeds United rounded-off the Premier League’s participation this year. The players warmed up in t-shirts ahead of their clash with Chelsea on Sunday.

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips warming up in Level Playing Field t-shirt before the Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea at Elland Rood.

The Scotland international spent time learning more about Level Playing Field and the work they do alongside the Leeds United Foundation and LUDO in creating more opportunities for those with disabilities to take part in sports and improving accessibility at Elland Road.

Liam Cooper speaks to Leeds United DSA via Zoom.

During the Zoom call, the defender also answered some questions from LUDO members and Foundation participants about the season so far, hopes and goals for the 2020/21 campaign and what it has been like for a footballer throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and especially without supporters at matches.

Championship

Friday 12th March

QPR stated how proud they were to support the campaign, along with the encouragement to “Keep up the good work!”.

Saturday 13th March

Luton Town were the first Championship club to show their support of the campaign over the weekend in the build-up to their dedicated Weeks of Action matchday against Swansea. The Hatters posted this article on their website about goalkeeper James Shea, the player patron for the Luton Town Disabled Supporters Association, recently met with some LTDSA members on Zoom.

AFC Bournemouth also wrote an article for their website, highlighting much of the good work that the club and their Community Sports Trust have been doing for disabled Cherries fans. The club also showed some creativity by making a GIF featuring several players wearing Weeks of Action t-shirts, which they tweeted out in support of the campaign.

Middlesbrough supported the campaign with typical enthusiasm, tweeting out this excellent photo of our green Weeks of Action flag hanging from the gates of The Riverside.

An exciting post from Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday told fans of the pledge that the club had made that week to launch a disabled supporters association (DSA) in partnership with the Wycombe Wanderers Trust. The Chairboys have really got behind the Weeks of Action campaign this year and are showing a real desire to make improvements to accessibility at Adams Park.

The Derby County squad were wearing white, as usual, during the warm-up to their match on Saturday against Millwall, except this time it was the white Weeks of Action t-shirts they were wearing. The Rams have been great supporters of the campaign over the years, and 2021 was no different.

Derby County warm-up in Level Playing Field t-shirts.

The Birmingham City players showed their team spirit, posing together in Weeks of Action t-shirts as Ivan Sanchez held up a photo board in support of the campaign. Thanks, Blues.

Sunday 14th March

On the final day of the Weeks of Action campaign (officially), Sheffield Wednesday had their dedicated matchday against league leaders Norwich. The Owls celebrated access and inclusion for disabled supporters as their players warmed up for the match wearing Weeks of Action t-shirts.

Monday 15th March

For the Weeks of Action, Brentford took the opportunity to showcase some of the accessible features of their new Brentford Community Stadium. They posted a photo of their new sensory room on social media and published an article on their website describing some of the features the new stadium will offer to The Bees’ disabled supporters:

  • 850mm: Dropped counters at an accessible level for all
  • 150 wheelchair spaces
  • 56 ambulant spaces
  • 23 accessible toilets
  • 8 unisex toilets
  • 5 accessible baby changing facilities
  • 2 adult changing rooms
  • 1 baby feeding facility
  • 1 Sensory Room
  • Designated disabled stadium parking

Tuesday 16th March

Rotherham’s Weeks of Action matchday took place outside of the official campaign dates, but The Millers were still very keen to support the campaign and chose their midweek game against Watford as their dedicated matchday. The club posted some great photos on social media, including this excellent shot of the team huddled around our Weeks of Action flag.

League 1

Friday 12th March

Just before the final weekend of the campaign, we were delighted to have the support of Oxford Utd on social media. The Yellows were the final League One club to show their support for the campaign as they tweeted on Friday in advance of their game at the weekend against Hull City.

League 2

This final week saw another four teams from League 2 celebrate Weeks of Action.

Many of the Clubs wore t-shirts to recognise and celebrate access and inclusion for disabled fans.

The Clubs involved this week were: Carlisle United FC, Harrogate Town AFC, Leyton Orient FC and Walsall FC.

Grimsby Town will be using their matchday on 7th April against Bolton Wanderers.

 

HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF LIVE SPORT