Former Manchester United star Danny Wallace in action
Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane was the setting for an event aimed at raising awareness around disabled football supporters.
The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation joined Kick It Out and The National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS) along with youngsters from Vale School in North London, for an insight into some of the obstacles disabled fans have to overcome when attending football fixtures across the country.
The event saw young people taking part in a number of activities aimed at raising their awareness of the experience of disabled fans on a match day.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association took part in a workshop demonstrating how they train their dogs. In addition the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) delivered a sign language workshop with a football theme.
Q&A session
The day culminated with a Q&A session with Danny Wallace. A former England and Manchester United star, Danny’s career was cut short nine years ago after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
He now heads up the Danny Wallace Foundation, and holds ambassadorial roles with both NADS and Kick It Out. He talked about his experience both on the pitch and his struggle with MS.
Alison Vaughan, Campaigns Manager for Kick It Out, said: "As we’re seeing an increased number of disabled supporters at games, it’s vital we educate able bodied matchgoers on some of the potential issues that these fans face.
"Events like this, where we’re able to bring together organisations dedicated to helping disabled fans, with young people and pioneering individuals like Danny Wallace, are a really effective way of doing this.”
'Strong pedigree'
Joyce Cook, Chair for NADS, said: "We’re delighted to be teaming up with Tottenham Hotspur for this event. The club have a strong pedigree in working with the disabled supporters amongst their fanbase."
NADS was established in 1998 and is the national registered charity representing disabled supporters of all sports together with their carers and advocates.
The organisation’s key objectives are to promote an inclusive agenda, raise disability awareness through sport and ensure an equality of experiences for all fans.
NADS represent all disabled supporters with trustees and co-optees of all disability groups sitting on the Board.
To find out more about NADS, please visit nads.org.uk
The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation was launched by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club as an independent charity to manage the club’s community work in North London.
The Club’s community scheme gained the charitable status through its excellent work and a £4.5m investment from the Club helps to deliver its goals.
To find out more about the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, please visit tottenhamhotspur.com/foundation
