Level Playing Field Weeks of Action 2012
 Before Christmas, Level Playing Field announced that the 2012 Weeks of Action would take place from the 10th to the 25th March.
The weeks of action represent a real opportunity for clubs to highlight the positive work that they do for their disabled supporters and therefore urges all clubs to get involved.
In some cases that two week period may not be convenient, but do not let that put you off. Level Playing Field would still be delighted to hear of events being planned outside of the two week window if that allows for clubs to get involved.
There is a lot of positive work going on around the sports world and Level Playing Field feels that clubs should use the weeks of action to show their fans and other clubs what they are doing.
It is also an opportunity for clubs to remind their supporters that they will not tolerate disability abuse on the terraces and to highlight disability awareness to all fans.
To view a list of suggested activities please visit the Level Playing Field website at www.levelplayingfield.org.uk.
Level Playing Field would like to know what is happening beforehand so that they can help publicise events via the e-newsletter and on their website. So please contact Level Playing Field if you are planning any events, would like the LPF logo or have any other questions around the weeks of action via email info@levelplayingfield.org.uk or phone on 0845 230 6237.
Fan Awards 2011 Update
On Monday 2nd January Level Playing Field presented two of last season’s winners with their awards. Kev Monks, Coventry City Fan, who was the winner of the Joseph Wratten Award and Julie Pidgeon, winner of the Club Employee Award were presented with their awards pitch side at Upton Park prior to the League fixture between West Ham and Coventry City.
Kev’s Award was presented to him by James Wratten, Joseph’s brother. James was supported by June and John, Joseph’s parents and some close family friends. As this was the first year of naming the Fans Award after Joseph it seemed very fitting that the Award was present by James.
 June told us, "It was great to meet & chat with Kev. Listening to him describing his involvement with Coventry made me even more sure that we had chosen the right supporter. I think Kev & Joseph would have got on extremely well. Not necessarily about which club they supported, but the passion for the game. Just listening to all his memories of different games he has been to reminded me so much of Joseph .It was the only time that I thought it would have been nice for West Ham to draw; I think Kev would have had a better day if they had! I think we have made a new friend."
Kev said, "To be awarded an award in memory of a fellow football supporter is a great honour for me. Thanks to the Wratten family, Level Playing Field and West Ham United for their part in making the presentation of the award very special and a time I will always treasure."
Jackie Newing, Development Officer for Level Playing Field presented Julie Pidgeon with the Employee Award. Jackie said “I was delighted to be presenting Julie with her Award which shows that her hard work and dedication to her job have not gone unnoticed. It was also testament to the job that Julie does that David Gold came down to congratulate Julie and watch the presentation”.
The Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Albert Boseley on 21st January at Notts County’s match against MK Dons. Presenting the Award on behalf of Level Playing Field will be June Wratten along with some of the Level Playing Field trustees.
June Wratten named as LPF Ambassador
Level Playing Field are delighted to announce that June Wratten has agreed to become an Ambassador for Level Playing Field. LPF Chair Joyce Cook, OBE, said, "It is wonderful news that June is taking up this role with the charity. June has already been working with our Nominations Committee and we look forward to working with her moving forwards". Welcome to the team June!
LPF Fan Awards 2012
With the start of 2012 and last season’s Level Playing Field Fan Awards now being presented, it is time to look ahead to nominations for the current season. If there is someone that you know who you feel deserves to have their contributions recognised, then let us know!
If you have previously nominated someone in the past but they have been unsuccessful please do not be put off nominating them again. All past nominees have been worthy of awards but unfortunately there can be only one winner.
Level Playing Field has created a template to assist you with your nomination which you can access by visiting the website http://www.levelplayingfield.org.uk/Level-Playing-Field-Awards-2011.aspx
There will once again be three categories – the Joseph Wratten Award, the Club Employee Award and the Volunteer Award.
The Joseph Wratten Award: Do you know of a fan who consistently goes that extra mile to make all the difference? Perhaps they follow their team everywhere they go or maybe they regularly help out fellow supporters and no ask is too big. Perhaps it is someone who you know you can always rely on?
Volunteer Award: Is there someone you know that volunteers their time, whether to the club or to the benefit of disabled supporters. A Volunteer, Steward or Disabled Liaison Officer who always goes the extra mile? Or maybe a member of your DSA that volunteers their time raising funds for example or assisting the club and its fans?
Club Employee Award: Do you know a Disabled Liaison Officer that is continually striving to improve services for their clubs disabled supporters, again maybe a Steward who always goes the extra mile or any other member of staff at the club who is proactive and works hard to support disabled fans?
Whatever the reason, Level Playing Field wants to hear about the people out there who are making a real difference.
Three excellent nominees have been honoured for last season, but there are plenty more people out there whose efforts deserve recognition. Email Level Playing Field at info@levelplayingfield.org.uk with your nomination template or if you feel more comfortable providing the information in the body of the email please send LPF the nominee’s name, what they do that is so worthy of praise and contact details for both of you.
The deadline for nominations to be received is 29th February.
The winners will be announced to the public during the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action 2012. However, winners will be informed prior to the Weeks of Action as will their Clubs as this may give the club the opportunity to also honour the winners as part of any planned activities.
An invitation to attend a national disability sports conference
On February 23, 2012, some of the UK's finest Paralympians will come together with the national press, sports clubs and charities, health experts and educationalists to explore the power, profile and future of disability sport, and the difference the London 2012 Paralympics will make. While the blind players are involved, this conference is very much about all disability sport, and how it will have an impact on grassroots activities, access for spectators, as well as athletes access to international competitions. A number of Paralympians, including swimmers, athletes and cyclists are going to be taking part on the day.
This special one-day free event - starts at 10am and runs to 4.30pm. The conference will include a key note speech from Chris Holmes, MBE, LOCOG's Director of Paralympic Integration. There will also be three debates, led by the BBC's sports correspondent Amanda Davies, and international footballer and sports commentator Danny Mills. Our very special expert panels, including Level Playing Field and our partners at the Centre for Access to Football in Europe, are taking part and will answer your questions about the key issues in the future disability sport.
There will also be workshops at the event where you can meet Paralympians, and have a go at their sport, and networking opportunities. For more information, contact Jenny Hulme at jenny.hulme@rnc.ac.uk, or call 01432 376 621.
And finally, keep in touch
LPF takes your views very seriously and we can and will contact clubs and organisers to make sure that where there are problems, these can be resolved - where things have gone well, we'd also like to give the appropriate words of praise as well. Your views, more than any, are so important to us.
There are a number of ways that you can get in touch with us and you can be assured that if you want us to treat something in confidence, we will respect that.
You can email us at info@levelplayingfield.org.uk, telephone us on 0845 230 6237, or write to us at the following address:
LPF, The Meridian, 4 Copthall House, Station Square, Coventry, CV1 2FL.
|
v2.jpg)
.jpg){kind=small}
