Crawley Town is pleased to support the 2018 Level Playing Field (LPF) Weeks of Action, starting on Saturday when we take on Wycombe Wanderers.
This annual initiative, now in its 13th year, aims to celebrate access and inclusion for disabled sports fans across England and Wales.
Disabled people constitute the largest minority group at around 15% of the population and this number is increasing year on year. Naturally, a large number of disabled people are football fans too and we are pleased to take this opportunity to thank our own disabled fans for their continued loyalty and dedication to this great club.
This year we are celebrating the matchday experience for disabled fans. We want to shine a light on the positives of attending a live matchday and in turn help remove those barriers and promote a culture of accessibility and inclusiveness within sport.
This Weeks of Action campaign we are joining together with clubs, fans and organisations across England and Wales to celebrate the #OurMatchday to not only promote the positive experience had by disabled fans but also the message of access and inclusion for all.
For more information about Level Playing Field (LPF) and this year’s Weeks of Action, please visit www.levelplayingfield.org.uk
Alternatively, you may wish to send a message of support to @lpftweets on Twitter using the hashtag #OurMatchday
Barb Robinson is the chairman of our Disabled Supporters’ Association which formed in October 2014. There are currently 30 paid-up members who range in age from 30 to 94 years. They have worked alongside the club to improve the matchday experience for all fans.
One of the initiatives that has proved very popular with visually impaired fans, and those who find it hard to follow the action, has been the introduction of Audio Descriptive match commentaries. This free service was launched in August 2015 & is available at all home matches for any fan who needs it.
More recently the club was asked if it was possible for someone to be made available to take orders from disabled fans up in the West Stand for half-time refreshments.
This was agreed, is now in operation and is much appreciated by those who cannot access the food bars. We hope to be able to extend this to disabled fans sitting at pitch level in due course.
The DSA welcomes new members – if you are interested to learn more about the group please contact Barb on barbararobinson@crawleytownfc.com or leave a message for her at the club offices.
We have given a platform to some of our DSA members to tell is what they like about their Crawley Town matchday - and here are a couple of responses.
MY MATCHDAY
What were your early experiences of attending live football games?
Watching Fulham and Chelsea when I was four - over 50 years ago!
What’s the most enjoyable part about your matchday?
Watching the match in the company of regular supporters and even better when we win!
What are the positive things your club does to make your matchday as inclusive and enjoyable as possible?
I would like to congratulate our Chair and the club for the initiative re getting refreshments for disabled supporters. This does add to the match day experience and enjoyment, along with team-sheets.
In three words how would you describe your matchday experience?
Enjoyable, usually fun!
If you could give any advice to a wheelchair user who hasn’t yet attended a live football game and is cautious about doing so, what would you say?
Don’t be worried, just try it. Let the club know you are coming and a space can be reserved for your transport and wheelchair. You’ll get a warm welcome at Crawley!
What makes watching live sport more enjoyable than watching it on TV?
The atmosphere generated by fans, making your own judgment on refereeing decisions and general discussion with fellow supporters.
What were your early experiences of attending live football games?
In 1946 watching Plymouth Argyle and non-league Tavistock
What’s the most enjoyable part about your matchday?
Meeting friends, the colours, noise and surrounding fans who make us feel welcome.
What are the positive things your club does to make your matchday as inclusive and enjoyable as possible?
Free blue badge parking, a lift to my seat and a welcoming steward.
In three words how would you describe your matchday experience?
Hopeful, disappointing, brilliant!
If you could give any advice to a wheelchair user who hasn’t yet attended a live football game and is cautious about doing so, what would you say?
Watch the video on the club website. It will give you the information you need to try it with confidence. The Disability Liaison Officer will meet you when you arrive, if you request help.
What makes watching live sport more enjoyable than watching it on TV?
Getting out of the house and the camaraderie.
