The 2014 Level Playing Field Weeks of Action kicks-off today [Saturday 15 March] with celebratory initiatives taking place across the country during the two week campaign period.
The LPF Weeks of Action will run through until 30 March with activities taking place across the country and they've been backed by a number of high-profile figures and personalities.
It provides a real opportunity for clubs, Disabled Supporter Associations (DSAs) and fans groups to highlight the positive work that they do to welcome their disabled fans.
The charity's President David Bernstein, CBE, said: "As President of Level Playing Field, I am delighted to support this year’s Weeks of Action campaign.
The Level Playing Field weeks of action highlights positive work done to help disabled fans
"We all have a responsibility to ensure that sport is truly inclusive and that naturally includes the many disabled spectators who are sports fans. I wish every success to everyone involved with this year’s events."
Former England, Manchester United and Southampton player Danny Wallace, an LPF ambassador, said: "I am proud to be an ambassador of Level Playing Field and since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 18 years ago, I've discovered first-hand how difficult access can be.
"Disabled supporters should have equal rights to everything at a match and in choosing to support their team alongside their own fans. Here’s to another successful campaign."
And FA Chairman Greg Dyke also praised the work of Level Playing Field as it begins a fortnight of special awareness-raising events on Saturday.
Dyke said: "On behalf of The FA, I am delighted to be endorsing the Level Playing Field weeks of action. A core goal of our work at Wembley Stadium, St. George’s Park and across the County FA structure is football for everyone.
"It is important that the whole game comes together to make it as inclusive as possible. I wish the very best to Level Playing Field and everyone taking part this year, particularly the unsung volunteers helping to stage events."
“Disabled supporters should have equal rights to everything at a match.”
Danny Wallace Former England player
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, DBE, 11-time Paralympic Games gold medallist and Cross Bench Peer of the House of Lords added: "I am pleased to offer my full support to the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action once again this year.
"Many disabled people already enjoy sports as both participants and spectators and we must ensure that our venues are accessible and welcoming to all, so that we can encourage a wider involvement in all aspects of sports in the future. I’m wishing LPF and its members another successful campaign."
June Wratten, LPF Ambassador and head of LPF Awards, concluded: "I would like to congratulate the LPF for creating the Weeks of Action initiative, and all the clubs that participate in this very well supported annual event. I cannot emphasise how important it is for clubs at all levels to embrace all its supporters; irrespective of their ability.
"It was only because of the diligent and hard work done by the LPF, advising and encouraging clubs on how to provide good access, facilities and services that made visits to many stadiums viable for my son Joseph.
"On a Saturday afternoon he could be with his fellow supporters for 90 minutes and feel the same as everyone else - that is how it should be.
"In his memory, I hope that one day, as a result of the efforts being afforded during the coming weeks, everyone will have the same opportunity."
To find out more about the work done by Level Playing Field, click here.
