We are pleased to support the 2018 Level Playing Field (LPF) Weeks of Action. This annual initiative, now in its 13th year, aims to celebrate access and inclusion for disabled sports fans across England and Wales.
Disabled people constitute the largest minority group at around 15% of the population and this number is increasing year on year. Naturally, a large number of disabled people are football fans too and we are pleased to take this opportunity to thank our own disabled fans for their continued loyalty and dedication to this great club.
This year we are celebrating the matchday experience for disabled fans. We want to shine a light on the positives of attending a live matchday and in turn help remove those barriers and promote a culture of accessibility and inclusiveness within sport.
Walsall FC Disabled Supporters Association is a newly-formed group of disabled supporters and carers that are looking to improve the home and away matchday experience for disabled fans.
The DSA are working on issues such as fans standing in front of disabled supporters towards the end of a match. We are also looking to provide a warm room for disabled supporters to watch the game from during inclement weather.
Joanna Sainsbury, one of the members of the DSA steering committee, said: “Since being introduced to Laura Greenhouse, the Disability Liaison Officer, and Dave Gollins, the Disability Steward, my matchday experience has really improved and I feel a valued supporter.”
Anyone interested in getting involved with the DSA are welcome to attend tomorrow night’s meeting (Wedneaday 7th March) at 7pm in the Savoy Lounge at the Banks’s Stadium.
This Weeks of Action campaign we are joining together with sports clubs, fans and organisations across England and Wales to celebrate the #OurMatchday to not only promote the positive experience had by disabled fans but also the message of access and inclusion for all.
For more information about Level Playing Field (LPF) and this year’s Weeks of Action, please visit www.levelplayingfield.org.uk email helen@levelplayingfield.org.uk or call 0208 621 2403.
Alternatively you may wish to send a message of support to @lpftweets on Twitter using the hashtag #OurMatchday