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:

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
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Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
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Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
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Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
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Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
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Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
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Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
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Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
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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
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Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
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Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
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Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman