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.
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Disablement Association Hillingdon (DASH)
Disablement Association Hillingdon (DASH)
Wood End Centre
Judge Heath Lane
Hayes
Middlesex
UB3 2PB
Tel: 020 8848 8319Email: info@dash.org.uk
Web: www.dash.org.ukDASH 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.
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Level Playing Field (LPF)
Level Playing Field (LPF)
c/o CAFE
Regus House
Herons Way
Chester Business Park
Chester
CH4 9QR
Tel: 01244 893584Email: info@levelplayingfield.org.uk
Web: www.levelplayingfield.org.ukLPF 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.
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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.