Clubs across England and Wales, including South Yorkshire, are celebrating access and inclusion for disabled fans.
Level Playing Field‘s ‘Unite for Access’ campaign, running from February 24 to March 10, has already been supported by over 100 clubs, such as Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United.
Jamie McAllister, a blind Accessibility Consultant, says: “It’s not so much raising awareness.
“It’s more about celebrating what clubs already do, and showing other clubs what can be done to make your matchday experience more accessible for those that are disabled.”
Sheffield Wednesday players wore ‘Unite for Access’ t-shirts before the game, and the campaign was celebrated at half-time.
2023 was a record-breaking year, as over 120 clubs were involved, and there are hopes that this will be improved upon once again this year.
Jamie McAllister said: “Clubs are continuing to build. I know my club, Coventry, have installed a sensory room, and changed quite a lot for neurodivergent people who want to attend games.
“We’re definitely going in the right direction. It’s slow, but getting there. It’s not going to change overnight.”
Even clubs further down the league pyramid have been improving their accessibility in recent times.
Hashtag United, of the seventh tier, announced this month that they would be providing audio-described commentary from next season.
However, clubs such as Chesterfield FC, Doncaster Rovers and even Sheffield United do not use Alt Text on their posts, meaning visually-impaired people using screen readers cannot properly access their content.
Jamie does, however think it’s going in the right direction.
“Especially since the pandemic, there has definitely been more intent there from football clubs that want to make the matchday experience more straightforward and stress-free.
“It’s slow, but getting there. It’s not going to change overnight.”
The momentum of the campaign will continue this coming weekend, with clubs such as Sheffield United expected to support the campaign, further to their support in 2023.
With two more weekends of action to take place, it’s set to be the largest yet, and could mark a major moment for accessibility in football.
To get in touch with Level Playing Field about Unite For Access, please email info@levelplayingfield.org.uk.
Images courtesy of Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme.