The Unite For Access campaign brings football fans together throughout the country, with Newcastle United hosted an event featuring Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA) and Level Playing Field to discuss a number issues and discuss accessibility in sports stadiums.
With Level Playing Field's latest research showing that 22 per cent of the UK population live with a disability and a quarter of those feel unsafe at sporting events, the session at St. James' Park addressed barriers that fans face when attending events and how the experiences can be improved to create a safer, more inclusive environment.
The event was attended by 50 of the club's disabled supporters who took part in a feedback session to give thoughts on how matchday experiences could be enhanced, whilst also hearing from a number of guest speakers sharing their experiences of disability in sport.
An expert panel discussion also took place, chaired by the club's Head of Inclusion with the co-founders of NUDSA and Level Playing Field.
Speaking about the event and Level Playing Field's Unite For Access campaign, Joe Ayton, chairman for NUDSA, commented: "We were really pleased to be invited to participate in the Unite for Access event. It gave us the opportunity to share our history and experience with attendees who may not be familiar with NUDSA.
"Level Playing Field is seeking to improve and promote both a better understanding of disability and access for disabled fans across the country.
"Since we were founded in 1998, NUDSA has worked hard to develop and maintain an excellent working relationship with Newcastle United so that we can play a part in gaining better accessibility for all disabled fans. Engaging with fellow charities like Level Playing Field gives us the opportunity to share insights so we can both play a part in improving facilities and access for disabled fans.
"Next season will mark our 25th anniversary and we hope to attract more members moving forward so that NUDSA can continue to grow and support new generations of fans moving forward."
The Unite For Access event formed part of Newcastle United's longstanding commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
The club's United As One campaign encompasses the wide range of activities undertaken all year round to tackle discrimination and inequality in both football and society. More information about the campaign can be found here.
If you want to know more about the work of Level Playing Field please visit www.levelplayingfield.org.uk, or find them across social media by searching Level Playing Field.
