Between Saturday 1st March and Saturday 16th March, Level Playing Field, Hull; City DSA and Hull City AFC will be engaging in the “2025 Unite for Access” Campaign.
The 2024 Unite for Access campaign aimed to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility for disabled sports fans. This campaign was organized by Level Playing Field, a charity dedicated to improving access for disabled supporters at sporting venues across the UK.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Campaign:
Widespread Engagement:
The campaign saw record participation from both Premier League and EFL clubs, marking a major step forward for accessibility in sports.
Clubs such as Hull City, West Ham United, Stoke City, and Sheffield United were particularly involved, hosting dedicated matchdays and supporting disabled fan groups.
Awareness and Inclusion:
The campaign focused on improving the overall experience for disabled fans by advocating for better facilities, services, and accessibility at stadiums.
It encouraged clubs to display their efforts to improve access, with various clubs making updates to their stadiums and services, including accessible seating and improved transport options.
Collaboration with Disabled Supporters Associations:
DSAs played a critical role in promoting the campaign’s message, using their networks to reach both disabled and non-disabled fans and to gather feedback on improvements needed at clubs.
The campaign also highlighted the experiences of disabled fans, sharing real-life stories that emphasized the importance of access to sports for everyone.
Key Events and Matchdays:
Some clubs, like Stoke City, dedicated specific fixtures to the cause, with promotions and matchday events designed to raise awareness.
Fans were encouraged to participate by attending matches, showing their support for accessible sports, and sharing their own accessibility experiences on social media with the hashtag #UniteForAccess.
Impact and Success:
The 2024 campaign saw a noticeable increase in the number of clubs taking concrete steps to improve access, with more stadiums becoming inclusive environments for disabled spectators.
The campaign also highlighted advocacy for better signage, access ramps, toilets, and seating, emphasizing that accessible sports are a right for all fans.
Support from Governing Bodies:
Governing bodies such as the Football Association of Wales (FAW) were key partners in supporting the initiative, promoting it through their channels and encouraging clubs and fans to take part.
Celebrating Achievements:
The success of the campaign was celebrated by showcasing the tangible improvements that were made at various clubs, as well as the growing number of people involved in advocating for accessible sports environments.
The campaign also highlighted the ongoing work still needed, including future plans to work with clubs and governing bodies to ensure long-term accessibility improvements.
The Unite for Access campaign not only emphasized awareness but also created tangible change in many clubs' approach to disability access, making 2024 a significant year in the push for more inclusive sporting venues.
To find out more about what is happening during this year’s campaign, follow Hull City DSA on X (@HullCityDSA), or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572511736303)
The Level Playing Field website https://www.levelplayingfield.org.uk/ gives more details on what the charity does.
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