Level Playing Field

January 2015 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 Appoint Steph Gadd as Chief Executive

Level Playing Field is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephanie Gadd as its Chief Executive. Steph joined Level Playing Field on 5 January 2015 and will be responsible for the day to day running of the organisation, managing the Level Playing Field team, liaising with our key partners as well as ensuring the access agenda is never far from the spotlight.

Steph is a seasoned sports industry professional having worked for various sporting organisations including the Kent FA, The Football Association, UEFA, LOCOG and most recently at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014. She has a wealth of experience in project management, football development and international events management as well as managing high profile campaigns such as The FA Respect programme.  She is passionate about equality and inclusion in sport, an interest which dates back to her time as a Sport Science student at Loughborough University. Sport and travel play a big part in Steph’s life and she enjoys attending live sports events overseas and here in the UK.

Full story

Government Seeking the Views of Disabled Sports Fans - Have Your Say!

Level Playing Field welcomed the recent Government announcement of the largest ever survey of the experiences of disabled sports fans in the UK.

The survey, which closes on the 28 February 2015 is a great opportunity for disabled people across the UK to have their voice heard, including those who are currently match going fans and those who would like to attend sporting events at their favourite club or venue. 

Level Playing Field urges all disabled sports fans to take part in the survey here

Full story

FA Asks Karl Oyston to Explain Derogatory Text Messages to Supporter

The FA have asked Karl Oyston to explain the remarks he made in a text message exchange with a supporter and he has been given until Thursday 15 January to respond.

Full Guardian story here

In response to the allegations, Level Playing Field Chair, Joyce Cook OBE said: ‘We are deeply concerned about the recent headlines regarding Blackpool Chairman, Karl Oyston in which he has admitted to using derogatory and thankfully long outdated disability terminology as a form of insult towards another person in text messages. This use of disability related discriminatory language is every bit as vile and offensive to disabled people as is any form of verbal discrimination, and in our view it is totally unacceptable behaviour from a senior person within the game. At a time when we are seeking fair and proper treatment for disabled football fans by professional clubs it is especially disappointing to see these headlines. We welcome the FA enquiry into this matter and look forward to the outcome of the enquiry.’

Full story

International Stadium & Venue Expo 2014

On Wednesday 10 December, Joyce Cook OBE, CAFE Managing Director and Chair of Level Playing Field, spoke at the International Stadium and Venue Expo conference in Geneva, as part of the Geneva International Sports Convention. During the presentation, “Providing Accessibility and Experiences for All”, Joyce spoke about the need to create accessible sporting venues that are inclusive to everyone.

Full story

Weeks of Action Dates Announced

Level Playing Field is delighted to announce that this years 'Weeks of Action' will take place between Saturday 18 April to Sunday 3 May. 

This is a great opportunity for clubs and organisations to showcase the positive work that they do for disabled supporters, and you can read about the events from the 2014 Weeks of Action here.

If you would like any information regarding the upcoming Weeks of Action then please email info@levelplayingfield.org.uk 

Fan Comments

Notts County

Accrington Stanley

Newport County

Oldham Athletic

Fleetwood Town

News in Brief

Noah's Great Day Out as Everton Mascot!

Free Ear Defenders for Pompey Fans with ASD

Loyal Yeovil Fan Never Misses a Game!

Liverpool Set Benchmark with Changing Places Facility

Norwich Disabled Supporters Annual Meeting 2014

Birmingham City Disabled Supporters Club Party

LPF Access Audits

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

Just Giving

Make a Charity donation online to support Level Playing Field's works. Every donation (small and large) is very much appreciated. 

Our Sponsors

LPF would like to thank the following Sponsors for their support:

The Football Foundation

Bevan Kidwell

The FA

Contact Us:

Address: c/o CAFE, No.1 Olympic Way, Wembley, London, HA9 0NP

Helpline: 020 8621 2403

Email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk

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