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England 2018 Update

1. Back the Bid Week Launched

Beckham urges nationwide support for activity to run between Thursday 19th August and Thursday 27th August.

England 2018 Vice President David Beckham has put his support behind ‘Back the Bid week’ which started on August 19th ahead of the FIFA Inspection Team’s arrival next week. To read the full press release please click here.

2. Paul the Octopus chooses England 2018

World Cup oracle pledges allegiance to his homeland and becomes latest Bid ambassador.

Paul the Octopus, who became internationally famous for his 2010 World Cup predicting exploits, has become the latest global figure to back England’s Bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup. To read the full press release please click here.

IBSA World Blind Football Championships - Hereford

The Football Association staged the 2010 IBSA World Blind Football Championship at The Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford between 14th – 22nd August. The Championship had never been played in England before and the event acted as a qualifier for the London 2012 Paralympics.

England started their campaign with a defeat against a strong Spanish side, but recovered to beat South Korea, Columbia and Japan putting them through to the knock out stages against Brazil.  England lost the match to Brazil and ended up in 4th place behind Brazil who beat Spain in the final, China finished 3rd.   The final took place on the 22nd August 2010 and all the match reports can be accessed via the official website by clicking on the link below.

It is hoped that there will be a lasting legacy from the event with a raised awareness of issues surrounding disability, with opportunities for participation throughout the community. To visit the official website please click here.

Brazil comes to the aid of Oldham - Out of the ashes!

Anyone who visits the North West will know that rain can be a constant problem, especially during the football season. That has certainly been the case for disabled fans at Oldham Athletic's Boundary Park where the overhead cover has led to a serious need for umbrellas. However, Brazil has come to the rescue - long term fan Jeanette Brazil has paid for the alterations to the roof, including the labour and materials. "I was fed up with our disabled supporters getting wet" said Jeanette. "The work was done by some friends of mine, plus my helper/assistant Jack Howarth" and everyone is especially looking forward to the new season.

Sadly since writing this article, Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park Stadium has been the victim of mindless arsonists. An investigation is now under way with local police releasing CCTV footage showing two teenagers who entered the ground before the fire. The Corner Flag suite and disabled seating area were all badly damaged on Sunday evening. NADS has understandably received distraught calls from a number of disabled fans, including Jeannette, and spoke with Athletic’s Chief Executive, Alan Hardy. Mr Hardy wanted to reassure everyone involved that the club has already made plans to accommodate disabled fans in other areas of the ground whilst repairs get underway but asks that they be understanding for the next few matches adding ‘Having spoken with our insurers, we are assured that the facilities will be completely rebuilt and disabled fans can expect to see a brand new section that will include a covered roof.’

NADS and its members send our very best wishes to Oldham Athletic and its fans at this difficult time and understand that this will have an ‘out of the ashes’ happy ending with even better facilities for disabled fans as part of the rebuild.

Win a £5000 charity grant for NADS at the Click of a Button

During September 2010, eBay is asking buyers and sellers to pick their favourite charity and we hope that as many as possible will opt for NADS. The three charities that receive the most votes will win an eBay grant, the top prize being £5000. Just follow the links below and nominate NADS:

This is a really great way to help raise funds for NADS at the click of a button.

Concerns over ticketing changes at Elland Road

Disabled fans of Leeds United have recently expressed their concern in the local press at a last minute change in the way they qualify for a disabled person's season ticket and a personal assistant/carer's ticket. In previous years, fans holding a blue Disabled Badge would qualify for a disabled season ticket at a reduced price and a a personal assistant/carer's ticket. But under the new rules, qualifications for disabled tickets is assessed on the different levels of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and could mean a personal assistant/carers having to pay for their own tickets.

NADS has spoken with the Leeds Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) – LUDO who have reassured us that the situation is in hand and was initially introduced as a result of some abusing the previous system. In consultation with LUDO, the club has also set up an appeals process for fans who do not feel that they have been treated fairly.

NADS view on the matter is as follows: Proof of disability should not be sought routinely; however a football club should be able to seek some proof of disability when there is reasonable cause. Football clubs should consult with the DSA, their disabled supporters and NADS to ensure a sensitive and appropriate system is adopted and football clubs should always ensure that they meet the requirements of the new Equality’s Act (previously DDA) . A disabled supporter who requires a match day companion or personal assistant should not be expected to pay a higher ticket price than a non-disabled supporter.

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Job and Volunteering Opportunities

Disability Football Development Officer Vacancy at Liverpool County FA.  Click here for more info.

Games Maker Volunteers Required.  Click here for more information.

Latest LOCOG job vacancies. Click here for more information.

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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