Surrey FA support Level Playing Field
Surrey FA are proud to be supporting Level Playing Field’s ‘Weeks of Action’ campaign.
Disability charity Level Playing Field are celebrating their 18th ‘Weeks of Action’ campaign from Saturday 26 February to Sunday 13 March, which aims to showcase the good work being done by clubs and organisations to improve accessibility and inclusion across all sports.
This year’s theme celebrates the return of fans after stadiums reopened after the suspension of live sport.
To support the campaign, Surrey FA are getting involved by helping clubs and players learn about Level Playing Field and understand what they do, what their aims are to improve accessibility and inclusion, and how they can assist disabled fans.
Who are ‘Level Playing Field’?
Level Playing Field are a sports charity that act as a campaigning and advisory organisation for disabled sports fans.
The charity supports disabled sports fans through the following channels:
Membership programme
As a user led organisation, Level Playing Field’s members are always at the heart of what they do. Their shared passion for sport and equality really drives them to influence long term change and improve the spectator experience for all disabled fans.
The Level Playing Field ‘fan’ membership is free to join, and includes the following benefits:
· Weekly ‘match day’ newsletter with general LPF updates.
· Quarterly ‘fan’ specific exclusive newsletter.
· Invites to take part in annual events such as Weeks of Action and regional/national forums.
· Official membership Certificate.
· It’s free to become a member.
Other benefits include:
· Access to independent, expert advice and guidance on access and inclusion issues.
· Opportunity to feedback on Access and Inclusion through LPF’s annual survey.
· Opportunity to network with other disabled fans, fan groups and disability/sports organisations. To become a Level Playing Field member, click below or contact ben@levelplayingfield.org.uk.
Active Level Playing Field initiatives
Level Playing Field run a range of initiatives for disabled sports fans, working to improve the matchday experience.
Active Level Playing Field initiatives:
· The Level Playing Field podcast – A monthly podcast series with guests from across the sporting community.
· Have Your Say – We ask disabled fans for their feedback, whether it’s positive or negative, from their experience at live sports events
· Talking Sport – During the pandemic they launched the Talking Sport initiative, where fans could chat to a member of the team in a bid to battle loneliness. After great success they have continued the initiative and continue to welcome fans to get in touch!
To find out more about the above, contact liam@levelplayingfield.org.uk
Level Playing Field’s work
Level Playing Field work behind the scenes with clubs to help improve accessibility at sports venues to ensure disabled supporters can experience the best possible match day. Common areas of improvement are sensory rooms, accessible toilets, audio commentary, and accessible club shops and food concession stands that include drop-down counters.
Areas of improvement can be highlight by clubs through Level Playing Field services such as:
· Access Audits by NRAC (National Register of Access Consultants)
· Club staff training
· Expert advice and guidance