Level Playing Field

March 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

Join the team! We are recruiting for an Access and Development Officer

Level Playing Field is delighted to announce we are recruiting for a new post. We are looking for an Access and Development Officer to assist us with our access audit work, to be based in our London office.

The deadline for applications is Monday 20th April.

How to apply

Blackpool Chairman Karl Oyston charged with misconduct

Blackpool FC Chairman Karl Oyston has been charged by The FA in relation to comments made in a text message exchange.

It is alleged that the misconduct constituted five breaches of FA rules, and that during the text message exchange, Mr Oyston used abusive and/or insulting words towards a supporter of Blackpool FC.

It is further alleged that each of these five breaches of FA Rule E3(1) is an ‘Aggravated Breach’ as defined in Rule E3(2), as each included a reference to disability.

Mr Oyston has until 6pm on 30 March 2015 to respond to the charge.

Obituary: Lee Knight

The Level Playing Field team was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Lee Knight.

Lee was the Chairman of the Tranmere Rovers Disabled Supporters Association (TRDSA) in England, and a lifelong supporter of the club.

To celebrate Lee and his achievements at TRDSA, the club held a minute’s applause prior to kick off when they faced Burton Albion FC on Saturday 21st March

 A statement released by Tranmere Rovers FC said, “As a mark of respect and in tribute to the tireless work that Lee did on behalf of our many loyal disabled supporters, there will be a minute of applause before the kick-off at Saturday’s match against Burton Albion. The club would like to offer its sincere condolences to Lee’s family. He will be sorely missed”.

Read more

Sunday Observer: 'Disabled fans short-changed despite riches pouring in'

'Premier League football clubs could face legal action to force improvements in their “shocking” facilities for disabled supporters. Lord Holmes, the disability commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has accused the Premier League of paying lip service to improving standards. Just 2 clubs, Leicester City and Swansea City, currently provide the recommended amount of wheelchair user spaces as laid out in Accessible Stadia'.

Joyce Cook OBE, Chair of Level Playing Field, argues that clubs are in breach of the Equalities Act 2010 and that the FA or Premier League must regulate in order for clubs to comply with their legal obligations. 'We have been calling for change for over a decade. Some clubs are doing a good job, but there is still a great deal to do. Disabled fans have endured poor conditions at many top clubs for far too long'.

Full Story

LPF Calls on Premier League to Donate 1% of New TV Deal to Disabled Fans

The Premier League is celebrating a record broadcasting deal in excess of £5.136 billion with additional revenue expected to follow and has pledged to reinvest income across the game including the delivery of ‘world class stadiums’. Yet conditions for disabled fans at many PL clubs remain woefully poor according to a BBC report last year. 

Full story

Great day out for LPF supporters Kings Park Dynamo FC

On Saturday 21st March, Kings Park Dynamo FC Under 11s were invited to Dean Court for the Championship fixture between promotion hopefuls Bournemouth and Middlesbrough.

Wearing their kit complete with LPF logo, the boys waved flags welcoming the players on to the pitch before Bournemouth went on to win the game 3-0. On a great day out for all the boys, midfielder Charlie Keen, 11, said, 'I'm proud to wear the LPF logo and support the work they do for all supporters.

LPF hopes the team enjoyed their day out and thanks them for all their support.

Full story

Blackburn Rovers Disabled Supporters Club set to relaunch at special event

The Blackburn Rovers Disabled Supporters’ Club is to relaunch at a special event this month.

The club, which was originally formed 23 years ago, folded 14 months ago. But a new committee has come together to revive it.

Lancashire Telegraph story

Weeks of Action 2015

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

Burnley

Stoke City

Sheffield Wednesday

Colchester

Gillingham

Southampton

Crystal Palace

News in Brief

Built Environment Professional Education Project

Kevin Kilbane reports West Ham fans to The FA for mocking learning disabled people

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

Find us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter