Derby County Football Club is proud to be supporting Level Playing Field’s annual Unite For Access campaign.
The campaign runs from Saturday 25th February to Sunday 12th March and aims to showcase the good work being done by clubs to improve accessibility and inclusion across in sport.
Derby County supports the campaign and is getting involved to help its disabled supporters learn about Level Playing Field, understand what they do, what their aims are to improve accessibility and inclusion, and how they can assist disabled fans in the future.
Who are ‘Level Playing Field’?
Level Playing Field is a sports charity that acts 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 members are at the heart of what the charity does. Their shared passion for sport and equality 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 ‘matchday’ newsletter
- Quarterly ‘fan’-specific exclusive newsletter
- Invitations to take part in events including forums and focus groups
- 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 here or contact ben@levelplayingfield.org.uk.
Active Level Playing Field initiatives
Level Playing Field runs a range of active initiatives and services for disabled sports fans including:
- The Level Playing Field podcast – A monthly podcast series with exclusive guests from across the sporting community.
- Have Your Say – Asking disabled fans for their feedback, whether it’s positive or negative, from their experience at live sports events.
- Club Pages – Level Playing Field offers accessibility information for all clubs from the Premier League, EFL and National League to help disabled supporters plan and enjoy their matchday.
Level Playing Field’s work
Level Playing Field works 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 - including drop-down counters.
Areas of improvement can be highlighted 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