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Disability in football

Kick It Out is committed to providing opportunities and improving access for disabled people with a love for football.

Whether it be enhancing the matchday experience for fans, improving facilities for those looking to play the game or promoting jobs in the industry, the campaign strives to support disabled people.

The London Paralympics 2012 heightened the profile of disability sport and changed perceptions towards disabled people and the role they play in society. Since then, Kick It Out has worked hard to build momentum off the back of this glorious success and continues to push for disabled people to have equal rights and access to football that non-disabled people enjoy.

Kick It Out has a close working relationship with Level Playing Field (LPF). LPF have a permanent place on Kick It Out’s Professional Game Guidance Group, with Ruth Hopkins, the organisation’s Head of Access and Development, their current representative. Kick It Out staff have also received LPF disability awareness training.

Through the Fans For Diversity campaign, jointly-run by Kick It Out and the Football Supporters’ Federation, Kick It Out continue to support disability inclusion in football.

A few of the events and initiatives that the Fans For Diversity campaign has supported include:

  • Providing a Bradford City supporter with Ivic Syndrome with the opportunity to take part in their Play It Like A Pro event
  • Helping to fund the Saints Disabled Supporters Association’s annual open day
  • Funding two 5-a-side matches between Sunderland and Arsenal supporters with mental health issues

Below is some further information on the key organisations Kick It Out works with in this area.


  • Disablement Association Hillingdon (DASH)

    Disablement Association Hillingdon (DASH)
    Wood End Centre
    Judge Heath Lane
    Hayes
    Middlesex
    UB3 2PB
    Tel: 020 8848 8319

    Email: info@dash.org.uk
    Web: www.dash.org.uk

    DASH is a user-led charity which challenges perceptions and encourages disabled people of all ages to reach their full potential. It provides advice, support and activities that allow disabled people to take control of their lives and become more independent, confident and part of the community.

  • Level Playing Field (LPF)

    Level Playing Field (LPF)
    c/o CAFE
    Regus House
    Herons Way
    Chester Business Park
    Chester
    CH4 9QR
    Tel: 01244 893584

    Email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk
    Web: www.levelplayingfield.org.uk

    LPF is the national registered charity representing disabled supporters of all sports. The campaign aims to promote an inclusive agenda, raise disability awareness through sport and ensure an equality of experiences for all fans.

  • Southampton Disabled Supporters' Association

    Email: contact@saintsdsa.org.uk

    Phone: 07866 150784

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/SaintsDSA

    Twitter: twitter.com/saintsdsa

    Saints Disabled Supporters’ Association (SDSA) was formally setup during a meeting held at St Mary’s stadium in September 2010.

    At the meeting, the initial five supporters that had the idea for the SDSA, asked for extra supporters to form the first committee. The committee have met monthly since (with some changes since the initial committee), and have started to build strong links with Southampton FC to allow meaningful discussions when issues arise.

"Football should be easily available to everyone, whether it’s playing, coaching or supporting."
Danny Wallace, former Manchester United midfielder and Level Playing Field ambassador
"Racism is not only a problem in football, it's a problem in society. Until we tackle it in society, we can't tackle it in football."
John Barnes, former England midfielder
Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman
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