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Level Playing Field

May 2016 E-Newsletter

Welcome to Level Playing Field

LPF is a registered Charity in England and Wales which acts as a campaigning and advisory organisation to its membership and other parties across all sports. www.levelplayingfield.org.uk

Level Playing Field provide evidence for Culture, Media & Sport Accessibility of Sports Grounds inquiry

On Tuesday 24th May Level Playing Field Chair, Joyce Cook OBE and General Manager, Ruth Hopkins gave evidence to the Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee on accessibility of sports stadia.

The Select Committee inquiry is examining the issue of accessibility at sports stadia, in relation to the full range of sports.

In giving evidence for LPF, Joyce Cook spoke about the need for better access saying that, ‘no one expects this to happen overnight, but it has taken 20 years’ and that ‘clubs need to at least meet their own minimum standards' as well as 'increase their disability and access awareness'. Adding ‘…..the majority of (non-disabled) fans are so on our side’ and ‘if there is ever a moment in time to make this right, it’s now’.

Read more & watch the 24th May Select Committee session here

On 25th May, the Select Committee also heard further evidence from Justin Tomlinson MP, Minister for Disabled People and Nick Pontefract, Head of Sport at the Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

Justin Tomlinson MP, Minister for Disabled People, when asked about disabled away fans having to sit amongst home fans said: ‘…it is totally unacceptable to put fans in the wrong section.’ He went on to say that it is 'not an overly onerous task' to improve access for disabled fans, including the 'training and awareness of staff' - something which he highlighted as a key issue in providing more accessible stadia. He added, ‘’it’s an absolute given that disabled fans should have that opportunity to enjoy sports.’ and went on to say ‘…..(it is) not an overly onerous task’ to improve access for disabled fans, including the ‘training and awareness of staff’ and added, ‘’…..it’s an absolute given that disabled fans should have that opportunity to enjoy sports.’

Government’s Head of Sport, Nick Pontefract noted that ‘disabled people are disproportionately not attending live sport' and that 'the obvious step is how we focus our attention on removing those barriers (to attending live sport).'

Read more & watch the 25 May session here

The Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee is also calling on sports fans to submit written evidence as part of the Accessible Sports Stadia inquiry. Read more and please do have your say here.

Have your say - CAFE Disabled Fans Survey 2016

There is still time to take part in the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) Disabled Fans Survey 2016.

The survey aims to gain a better understanding of disabled supporters’ match-day experiences, the challenges still faced and the remaining barriers that are preventing all disabled football fans from attending live matches.

The survey is a great opportunity for disabled fans to have their say and to help determine the future course of action for CAFE in their works and to promote wider inclusion across the game.

Take part in the survey here

Documentary: Access Denied - Disabled access at football stadiums

A documentary on the state of disabled access at football stadiums has been produced by student Joe Mursell.

The documentary examines some of the challenges that disabled fans face when attending football matches featuring LPF Vice-President Lord Faulkner.

Watch documentary here

Football fan with Down's syndrome 'attacked for wearing Crystal Palace shirt'

Father Bob White, 60, told the Evening Standard: “Dan’s quite a slow walker and he’s not very steady on his feet. “He was near the top of the stairs – quite a steep set of stairs – when this young person dressed with Brighton gear started being abusive and then shoved him at the top of a flight of stairs”.

LPF understands that this case is being investigated by the British Transport Police.

Read More.

Joyce Cook appointed to FIFA Diversity Award jury – “11 for Diversity”

LPF Chair Joyce Cook OBE has been appointed to the jury of the first ever FIFA Diversity Award.

With the aim of recognising an outstanding organisation, group initiative or personality that is standing up for diversity and anti-discrimination in football, FIFA will inaugurate the FIFA Diversity Award in July 2016.

The constitution of Crystal Palace DSA (CPDSA) was officially signed at an event held at Selhurst Park stadium.

CPDSA is the eleventh DSA to be established during LPF’s Working Together project. The DSA committee is working closely with Crystal Palace football club and is calling on disabled supporters, friends and family to join the association with the aim of improving access and inclusion for disabled supporters at Selhurst Park.

Read more

Disabled Everton fan, George Shaw, wins Facebook fan award

Evertonian George Shaw has been voted Fan of the Year at the Facebook Football Awards

Read more

Dementia Awareness Week 2016

Level Playing Field were pleased to support Dementia Awareness Week 2016, which took place between 17th - 23rd May.

News in Brief

Benitez drops in at Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association party

Jason Roberts receives Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree in recognition of his work empowering young people through sports

Juan Mata makes young Manchester United disabled fan's day

Young disabled Spurs fan has half time kickabout at White Hart Lane

Fan Comments

Manchester United

Watford

MK Dons

Wigan Athletic

Kidderminster Harriers

Middlesex CCC

Crystal Palace

Hartlepool United

Follow us on Social Media

Are you following us on Social Media yet? Stay up to date with all the latest news and developments at Level Playing Field by following us on Social Media. We update these regularly with new content and is a great way to keep up to speed with all that is happening in the world of access and inclusion.

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LPF Access Audits

LPF provides a professional programme of audits carried out by NRAC accredited Access Auditors with an increasing number of clubs and venue owners commissioning an LPF audit. Read more information on a LPF Access Audit and how to commission one here.