Seasons Greetings from all at Level Playing Field!
2014 has been a significant year in Level Playing Field’s history, with an exciting office move that placed us right into the heart of football, we have worked hard to put the issue of access and inclusion for disabled supporters to the top of the agenda and build on our successes in campaigning for disabled sports fans.
This year we have expanded our reach by working further still with a number of sports including a groundbreaking project working with the Rugby League Trust in undertaking professional access audits with all Championship clubs. Other major projects saw us undertake access audits of all Welsh Premier League clubs on behalf of the FA of Wales along with several cricket grounds for the ECB. We were also delighted to be appointed as access consultants for England 2015 providing advice and support for the Rugby World Cup.
Read on to find out what we have been up to in 2014...
LPF Office Move & Opening Ceremony
The name ‘Wembley’ is synonymous with football for supporters all around the globe, so it was a significant moment in Level Playing Field’s history when we upped sticks from our Chester home, and relocated just a David Beckham free kick away from the historic Wembley Stadium, the home of English football.
On a day that saw leading figures from governance, inclusion and anti-discrimination gather to witness the Minister for Sport & Equalities, Helen Grant, officially open the new Olympic Way office for both LPF and CAFE, it was a chance to look back at the successes we have had, but also the challenges we face ahead of us in our new home.
Read full story…
News Coverage on the issues faced by Disabled Supporters
In March this year the BBC ran a story, ‘Is the Premier League Failing Disabled Fans?’, which propelled the issue of access to football stadia for disabled supporters into the public eye, and cast a damning light on the current state of access for disabled fans at many clubs in the Premier League.
Highlighting the work that Level Playing Field does, the experiences of many disabled supporters at more than 50% of Premier League clubs were shown to be falling significantly below football’s own minimum standards, with reports from legal experts suggesting that they are in breach of the Equality Act.
The story was picked up by local and national radio and TV shows with a feature article on Channel 4’s evening news.
Read full story…
House of Lords Debates
This year our cause was given further prominence within a number of House of Lords debates, and the issue of access to sports stadia for disabled supporters was pushed still further into the national spotlight.
With significant contributions to the House from key figures such as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and LPF Vice President, Lord Faulkner of Worcester, they highlighted how not enough was currently being done to improve access to sports stadia nor in building on the successes of London 2012. They called for urgent improvements to be made to create a fully accessible and inclusive sport.
House of Lords - Question Time…
House of Lords Debate - Sports Governance…
House of Lords Debate - Olympic Legacy…
Weeks of Action
In March this year saw the annual Level Playing Field ‘Weeks of Action’ initiative that offers clubs a great chance to showcase the positive work they are undertaking with their disabled supporters.
Between the 15th & 30th March, a number of clubs organised events at home games to highlight the steps they are taking to ensure that their club is more inclusive and accessible for all.
Read full story…
Annual General Meeting - May 2014
On 22nd May Level Playing Field held the Annual General Meeting at Portcullis House, Westminster, hosted by Chris Heaton-Harris MP. As well as the formalities of circulating the annual accounts and reports, lots of interesting discussions took place between the members during the afternoon.
It was also a time to remember our departed friend and colleague Gary Deards who sadly passed away earlier this year. We were joined by Gary’s parents Hazel and Brian Deards as our special guests in remembering the tireless work Gary did for the cause of disabled sports fans.
Tributes to Gary…
David Davies Appointed as Vice President
In October 2014 we were delighted to announce the appointment of David Davies as an LPF Vice President as well as becoming a Director of our sister charity, CAFE.
David brings with him a wealth of experience within Football including 13 years spent as Executive Director of the FA and also as founder member of the ‘Kick it Out’ campaign. David’s knowledge and contacts within the game and his media and PR expertise will be a great asset to Level Playing Field in our challenges going forward.
Read full story…
Things That Made Us Smile
Guy Moussi’s Generosity
Danny Ings Disability Sports Project
Sohail Rehman - MUFC Disabled Coach
Frank Lampard Plays Wheelchair Football
In closing, from all of us at LPF, we wish you a very happy, peaceful and enjoyable festive period and we look forward to continuing to support and work with you in 2015.
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: LPF c/o CAFE, No.1 Olympic Way, Wembley, London, HA9 0NP
Helpline: 020 8621 2403
Email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk
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