Launch of the Level Playing Field - Season 2009 to 2010

NADS is delighted to announce the start of the Level Playing Field weeks of action. Firstly we would like to say a big thank you to all those clubs and supporter organisations who have something planned. If you have not planned anything, it is not too late to do something, you could simply publish an article in a match day programme or on your website. Please visit the NADS website for more information and a copy of the programme template or contact Jackie Newing using the details below.

Statement's of Support for the Campaign

To mark the start of the Level Playing Field NADS would like to share the names of the individuals that have supported the campaign.

Statements have been received from a number of individuals and organisations including Sir Trevor Brooking (The FA's Director of Football Development and Patron of the Level Playing Field - see below), David Bernstein (President of the National Association of Disabled Supporters and Chairman of Wembley National Stadium), Ian Watmore, (Chief Executive of The FA), Brian Lee (Chairman of the Football Conference) and Gordon Taylor (Chief Executive at The PFA). To view all of these statements of support and more please click here.

‘I am delighted to be able to support the annual NADS Level Playing Field Campaign which highlights the importance of social inclusion for all fans including disabled fans. I wish the National Association of Disabled Supporters every success in its ambition to see an equality of experience and access for all football fans.’ Sir Trevor Brooking, Patron of the Level Playing Field Campaign

An Interview with Danny Mills

Danny Mills has recently conducted an interview with Sportsvibe which highlights the Level Playing Field Campaign. To read the full interview please click here.

Ambulant Disabled Policy

NADS has recently published guidance for clubs around accessibility for ambulant disabled supporters on its website. If you have not yet seen this guidance please click here.

Some clubs around the country are already doing a number of things highlighted in the guidance.

Above is a picture of the rest points that have been fitted at Pride Park Stadium.

Above is a picture of one of the golf buggy's that are operated by Derby County on match days to assist some of their disabled supporters who are parked in the car parks further away from the ground. NADS is also aware that Norwich City among others operates a similar system.

Whilst the latter may not be logistically possible for all clubs NADS strongly believes that the rest points as shown could be added to concourse areas at most clubs at very little cost.

The guidance contains a number of other points which we hope you will find interesting and useful.

LPF Events

To view a selection of the activities that NADS is aware will be happening around the country please click here. Please note if you haven’t yet told us what you are doing it’s not too late. Please contact Jackie Newing using the details below.

One very positive piece of news that we did want to share in our e-newsletter is the work that is going on at the Pompey Sports and Education Foundation (PSEF). NADS would like to applaud Pompey for their work at such a difficult time for the club. Full details of the scheme can be found on the website by clicking here. In summary Pompey are running a Disability and Sports Awareness ASDAN accreditation. This involves supporting the young people on the course with educational and social challenges in nationally accredited courses through disability awareness training. The course supports Pompey's wider work with the integration of young people who are experiencing social , criminal and educational challenges with children living and learning with profound disabilities. The young people that participated in this course are now on extended work placements within Mary Rose Special School. To read a case study on the accreditation please click here.

PSEF are also running Cage Cricket Sessions at the Mary Rose School which is proving to be a great success. For more information please click here.

Other News in Brief

Equality and Human Rights Commission - Consultation Event: Draft terms of reference for a formal Inquiry into disability related harassment. Before collecting evidence, the Commission needs to set out exactly what the Inquiry will investigate. We are therefore consulting disabled people and other stakeholders on our draft terms of reference. You can give your views on the draft terms of reference through an online consultation.The consultation will close on Friday 26 March 2010. For full details please click here or go to the EHRC website directly.

Congratulations to Katrina Hammond, Englandfans member - Katrina was a runner up for the community 16-19 year category in Amnesty International's Young Achiever's Award's Ceremony and training event 2009. Katrina was first nominated for the award in mid 2009 because of the various volunteering work she does within her community and beyond. To read Katrina's story please click on the picture of Katrina at the awards below.

Our Sponsors:

Make a charity donation online to support NADS works. Every donation (small and large) is very much appreciated:

National Association of Disabled Supporters: P.O. Box 2909, Reading, RG1 9LD, U.K.
Helpline: 0845 230 6237 | Email: info@nads.org.uk | Web: www.nads.org.uk
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