Having attended recent Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) seminars at West Ham United and Oxford United, Gary Deards, vice chair of NADS, says he was encouraged to see how The FA are progressing in promoting participation and not just spectating.

“The positive message is that The FA are doing something. I am sure most people think they only deal with the professional game as it is the area which gets the greatest publicity – but grassroots football is important to those who participate,” he points out. “Hopefully, if each club appoints a Disabled Liaison Officer – as recommended by NADS – they can link with schemes such as Football in the Community schemes to start getting messages across.”

Gary has been involved with NADS since 1999 when he joined the national executive committee, and sits as a co-opted member of the Reading Supporters Trust Board assisting them in issues affecting disabled supporters. “NADS are holding their AGM at Villa Park on April 15th, when we will be sharing the good work The FA is doing with our members.”

Should clubs at any level require NADS  to visit them and give a free talk about the DDA, or perform an informal audit, they will be only too pleased to do so.

Gary, meanwhile, has a plea from all disabled supporters at Reading Football Club which will be echoed around the country – “Please be aware that there are people behind you that cannot see when you stand up.”