Today Bolton Wanderers are proud to be supporting Level Playing Field’s ‘Weeks of Action’ campaign.
The disability charity Level Playing Field are celebrating their 18th ‘Weeks of Action’ campaign, which aims to showcase the good work being done by clubs and organisations to improve accessibility and inclusion across all sports.
This year’s theme celebrates the return of fans to stadiums after the suspension of live sport.
Bolton Wanderers are dedicating tonight's fixture to the campaign with the aim to help our 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. There will also be more exciting features related to Level Playing Field released later in the week.
Through our support, we will also highlight the facilities available to disabled supporters at the University of Bolton Stadium and the work of Bolton Wanderers in the Community to support participants living with a disability.
Level Playing Field
Level Playing Field are a sports charity that act 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’s members are always at the heart of what they do. Their shared passion for sport and equality really 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 ‘match day’ newsletter with general LPF updates.
- Quarterly ‘fan’ specific exclusive newsletter.
- Invites to take part in annual events such as Weeks of Action and regional/national forums.
- 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 run a range of initiatives for disabled sports fans, working to improve the matchday experience.
- The Level Playing Field podcast – A monthly podcast series with guests from across the sporting community.
- Have Your Say – LPF ask disabled fans for their feedback, whether it’s positive or negative, from their experience at live sports events
- Talking Sport – During the pandemic LPF launched the Talking Sport initiative, where fans could chat to a member of the team in a bid to battle loneliness. After great success LPF have continued the initiative and continue to welcome fans to get in touch!
To find out more about the above, contact liam@levelplayingfield.org.uk
If you would like to keep updated with Level Playing Field’s work, follow them on social media.
University of Bolton Stadium
Information about the facilities available to disabled supporters at the University of Bolton Stadium can be found via the Level Playing Field website here.
You can also contact our Disability Liaison Officer and Head of Ticketing, Daniel Scott for more information or to ask any questions you may have on dscott@bwfc.co.uk or call 01204 673 652.
Disability Projects at Bolton Wanderers in the Community
Bolton Wanderers in the Community deliver a number of projects across their disability programme which aim to connect, support, and empower people with disabilities in the local community.
The club’s official charity offers the opportunity for individuals to take part in sport and other activities that otherwise they may not have access to.
BWitC also works with children and young people in educational settings, inspiring them to try new recreational and competitive opportunities in a safe and inclusive environment.
The projects include:
Bolton Wanderers Ability Counts Football Club - Providing a weekly football offer and competitive match opportunities for both children and adults with disabilities.
Healthy Goals for Life – Aiming to improve the health, wellbeing and sporting ability for adults with disabilities through weekly inclusive sports sessions, competitions, and workshops.
Bolton Super 1s – Improving confidence and independence through cricket coaching and competitive matches, in partnership with Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
Every Player Counts – Raising the participation levels in disability football for those aged 5 to 16 years, working with both mainstream and SEN schools in Bolton to provide positive experiences of football and sport in school for children and young people with disabilities.
Panathlon Challenge – Hosting a program of competitive sporting events for children with disabilities and special educational needs to represent their school at local, county, and regional levels.
100% Wanderers – Aims to engage with new fans to BWFC, with a focus on supporting fans from the disabled community to develop an affinity with the club through a range of match-day and non-match day activities. The project's focus is to support new and existing disabled supporters by working with the club to improve the overall fan experience.
For any more information on the above, please contact Debbie Davies – ddavies@bwitc.org.uk.