Swansea City and Swansea City DSA mark Unite for Access campaign
Swansea City and the Swansea City Disabled Supporters' Association (DSA) marked Level Playing Field’s 'Unite for Access' campaign with a series of events to promote positive experiences for disabled supporters attending football matches.
The campaign began with the Swans dedicated home match against Ipswich Town, with the men’s players showing their support by warming up in 'Unite for Access' t-shirts while Swansea City AFC Foundation's pan-disability team made up the guard of honour.
During the lead up to the matchday, the club's women’s team, academy teams and Swansea City AFC Foundation projects showed their support by being photographed holding the 'Unite for Access' banner.
The following week the DSA worked with the club to deliver a series of accessible activities for its members. The week began with an accessible stadium tour with members invited to view the club’s history via the memory walk, a look around the home changing rooms and a visit to pitchside.
On March 1, the DSA launched the 'Everyone Deserves a Cuppa and a Chat' coffee morning. The event was a St David’s Day celebration compered by DSA secretary Cath Dyer.
There were a number of guest speakers in attendance, including Mark Phillips from Level Playing Field, former Swansea City club secretary Jackie Rockey, as well as the Lord Mayor and members of the Supporters' Trust.
DSA member Ron also delivered an own emotional testimonial of how the Disabled Supporters' Association and club have supported him through various chronic illnesses and challenges.
Ahead of the Swans’ home match against Blackburn Rovers, DSA chair Andrew Brayley set up an information station in the stadium’s inclusion room, which allowed existing and potential members to meet up and discuss the DSA.
The supporters' group is thriving, now having more than 250 members, and has continued to provide feedback to the club so that it can continue to make important steps towards greater inclusivity.
As part of the most recent consultation period, the DSA recommended all disabled toilets should include information about where they are located in the stadium to better aid those fans who may require help while using the bathroom.
“The 'Unite for Access' campaign is important because it highlights the barriers disabled supporters might have to face in attending a football game. It also helps us understands the individual requirements so we can support them," said Brayley.
“This year, we’ve had a meet and greet at the stadium and a coffee morning. These events were for any disabled supporter who wanted to come and meet us, have a coffee and a chat about what we do.
“We also had a DSA stadium tour which allowed our members to have a look behind the scenes at the stadium. It’s nice to do something special for our members.
“The DSA is the official voice of disabled supporters at the club, so if a disabled supporter has any needs which aren’t catered for, they can come to us and we can work with the club to help break down that barrier.
“Our aim is for the stadium to be inclusive, diverse and accessible for everyone. It’s all about improving everybody’s matchday experience.”
To find out more about the DSA, or to join, please click here.