Level Playing Field

Extraordinary 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

In responding to the following breaking news by Katie Gornall at BBC Sport, Joyce Cook OBE, LPF Chair said:

“Everyone at Level Playing Field is totally delighted by tonight’s news. It has been a very long time coming (more than 14 years) but we wholeheartedly welcome this announcement from the Premier League and its clubs.”

“The promises made today will ensure that many more disabled fans can finally enjoy a fair and equal experience alongside fellow fans, friends and family. For disabled football fans this is huge news but as always, the proof will be in the pudding. Level Playing Field looks forward to working with the PL and its clubs to deliver on their promises.”

“We didn’t expect this announcement today but that is often the best news and Level Playing Field is looking forward to working with the clubs to deliver Accessible Stadia standards across the Premier League. To this end, we will be requesting a meeting with the Premier League over the coming few days.”

“Today is a very good day for disabled football fans and for the Premier League. It is a day to remember with some pride and with many thanks to everyone involved in making this happen.”

Ends

Premier League statement:

We look forward to reading the Government’s report and will take on any information it provides. At the moment, we are undertaking our own assessment, surveying every Premier League stadium to determine improvements for disabled access.

Disability access was discussed at the Premier League Shareholders meeting last week with several new proposals agreed. All Premier League Clubs have agreed to make their stadiums compliant with the Accessible Stadia Guide by August 2017.

Clubs also agreed to ensure the appropriate number of wheelchair bays are located in their away sections (10% of their home provision).

For background guidance:

Provisions agreed by Premier League clubs on Thursday 10 September are:

• All Clubs to achieve compliance with the Accessible Stadia Guide by August 2017.
• Clubs to appoint a Disability Access Officer which should be, or report to, a senior executive to assist compliance on a whole-Club basis.
• The emerging Club stadium assessments to be discussed with Clubs at a senior level.
• Wheelchair bays, steward training, websites, ticketing policies and parking should all be given urgent attention, using Premier League advisory consultants where needed.
• All Clubs to ensure the appropriate number of wheelchair bays are located in their away sections (10% of their home provision).

All Premier League stadiums are currently being assessed in order to determine where disabled access can be improved and the assessment is over a third of the way through.

Disability provisions already being undertaken by clubs:

• Clubs agreed in November 2014 to achieving the ‘Equality Standard.’ It was made part of Premier League Rules and Clubs have to demonstrate actions against disabled supporter access audits in order to comply.
• Every season Premier League Clubs take part in mystery assessments of the experience of disabled fans. Clubs have made significant changes as a result.
• The Premier League is producing an Access app which will be out in Autumn 2015 and will provide fully accessible information on facilities at all stadiums. It is aimed at providing disabled fans with better information and building confidence in those who want to attend matches.

LPF Access Audits

LPF provides a professional programme of audits carried out by NRAC accredited Access Auditors with an increasing number of clubs and venue owners commissioning an 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

The FA

Contact Us:

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

Helpline: 020 8621 2403

Email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk

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