Welcome to the NADS monthly Newsletter!

To join NADS contact us at: info@nads.org.uk

NADS has a new Postal Address

Please note that NADS has a new postal address:

The Meridian, 4 Copthall House, Station Square, Coventry, CV1 2FL. 

Please use this address for all future correspondence.  All other contact details remain the same.

NADS requests your help

NADS is currently investigating what accessible transport services are available to disabled fans on match days.  If you use a specific service and would be willing to provide us with details of that service we would be grateful.  We are hoping to put together a guide and are looking for some case studies.  If you have some information please contact us via the postal address above or by email, info@nads.org.uk or phone on 0845 230 6237.

NADS backs the 2018 Bid

At the recent Annual General Meeting for the National Association for Disabled Supporters, the organisation was keen to show its support to England’s Bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. To read the full article and show your support for the bid please click here.

The Football League Disabled Fan Pilot

Last year NADS worked with the Football League, MBP and a group of disabled fans to carry out a series of assessments of the disabled fan experience at Football League fixtures. The feedback has not only helped to identify many improvement opportunities but also sets out clearly to Clubs the benefits they’d enjoy if they engaged more fully with the disabled fan community.

Having had a very successful first year, the Football League have announced their intention to continue the project for a further two seasons, so that every Football League club will have been visited as part of this scheme.

However, to do this, they need your help. Mark and Ana (from MBP) would like to recruit more people to help them complete the assessments. They need committed football fans from the disabled community who can attend matches at clubs other than their own and provide detailed feedback on their experiences. In return for completing and returning a feedback form, MBP will pay all related expenses (including travel, tickets, parking, programme, small Club Shop purchase and in-stadia refreshments).

If you are interested in volunteering for the scheme or finding out more, please contact Mark or Ana on 01274 603727 (landline) 07740 701598 (mobile) or email ana@bradleyprojects.com.

The Football League 2010 Fans Survey has also recently been released.  To learn more about the survey and download a copy please click here.

In memory of Joseph Wratton

NADS was sad to learn of the recent passing of Joseph Wratton, a passionate West Ham fan.  Julie Pidgeon, the Disabled Liaison Officer for West Ham said of Joseph:

"I first met Joseph a few years ago…..The first thing that struck me was his eyes and how they spoke to you and how they shone when he was watching the game. 

"Over time, we became good friends and so did his mum June and myself. We would laugh, giggle, and although Joseph couldn’t speak towards the end, you just knew what his eyes were “saying”….. I was privileged to spend some time with Joseph on the day he passed away, as a club we were privileged to have him as our number one supporter who against all odds carried on travelling this country to follow the team he loved. And boy, was he popular with the people at the away grounds he visited – believe me, he went to them all, Premiership, Championship, League and FA Cup games he was there – disability or no disability.

"His passing is a huge loss to his family and friends and to what he represented for all disabled football fans. He touched many hearts all over the country….. Especially mine and he will always be my “Man of the Match”".

Commission calls in evidence on disability-related harassment in Britain

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is investigating whether public bodies and public transport providers are fulfilling their legal obligations to prevent disabled people from being harassed. Councils, police forces, schools and other public bodies as well as bus, train companies and other public transport providers found to be failing in their duties could face enforcement action.

Members of the public are being asked if they sought help from any public body or transport provider and what support they got, either as a result of being harassed because of their disability or because of their connection to someone who is disabled. The Commission is working with organisations of and for disabled people or crime victims to help gather evidence. Public bodies and transport providers are being asked to disclose what steps – if any – they are taking to meet their legal duties.

To find out more and how to give your views please click here.

The EHRC has also issued new guidance to promote disabled people's human rights.  To find out more about this guidance please click here.

News from Kick it Out

Mentoring Scheme - Kick It Out is currently looking for participants to get involved with a mentoring scheme, which is being funded by the EHRC to address gaps in representation across all aspects of football.  To find out more about this scheme please click here.

Development Grant News - Two groups working with disabled young people are making their own mark on this summer’s festival of football after benefiting from a community cash injection.  The Rob Burton Soccer School and Foresight have each been awarded Development Grants from Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion campaign and the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity.   To read more about this please click here.

Fans across Europe join forces in Barcelona

Under the motto "Money can't buy passion!", European football supporters representing more than 2 million fans took part in a successful 3rd European Football Fans’ Congress, organized by Football Supporters Europe (FSE) in Barcelona from 16-18 July 2010.  To read more about the event please click here.

NADS receives the FSF Services to Supporters Award 2010

The FSF announced at the Fans Parliament last weekend that their Services to Supporters Award had been awarded to NADS.  We'll bring you the full story in our next news edition but in the meantime we want to say thank you to our colleagues at the FSF for this recognition.

News In Brief

• Football project for dementia sufferers may be extended - click here for the full article.
• The Rob Burton Soccer School seeks sponsorship for two teams being entered into the Middlesex FA Disability Football League.  Click here for more information.
• Friend who gave food for thought - A tribute to Dave Morris.  Click here for the full article.
• GB Paralympians pipped to post in athletics - click here for full article.
• Disabled Go at NADS AGM.  To read their news blog on our AGM please click here.

Our Sponsors:

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

Job and Volunteering Opportunities

Please click on the description to obtain further information.

Kick it Out - Volunteer Project Worker

The Justin Campaign Volunteer Opportunities

London 2012 Employment Opportunities

CAFE Volunteer Opportunities

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To find out what is happening around Europe please visit the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) website by clicking on their logo below.

National Association of Disabled Supporters: The Meridian, 4 Copthall House, Station Square, Coventry, CV1 2FL

Helpline: 0845 230 6237 | Email: info@nads.org.uk | Web: www.nads.org.uk
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