Derby County hosted the first Midlands regional forum at Pride Park Stadium last month.
The forum took place on Tuesday 13th February and was organised by Level Playing Field, with support from Derby County and Derby County Disabled Supporters Club.
The objective of the forum was to provide a medium where individual Disabled Supporters’ Clubs and club representatives could network and share experiences and best practise.
Presentations were made by Level Playing Field, Derby County, Derby County DSA and Derby County Community Trust on the day.
Clubs from right across the Midlands were represented with the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City all in attendance.
A range of topics were discussed including the experience of away supporters, stewarding and provision for disabled supporters, car parking and the upcoming Level Playing Field ‘Weeks of Action’ which will run from 3rd-18th March.
The Midlands regional forum was the fifth regional event to be established by Level Playing Field. Forums have also taken place in London, North West, Wales and on the South Coast.
Level Playing Field’s Projects Coordinator Kieran Reynolds said: “We have really enjoyed working with Derby County and Derby County Disabled Supporters Club to organise this event and we were delighted that it was so positively received.
“It was great to see so many people get together to share information and best practice with each other. We believe that this will help all clubs and Disabled Supporters Associations to improve their own accessible and inclusive facilities and services and ensure a positive legacy for all disabled supporters in the region.”
Derby County’s Disabled Liaison Officer, Emma Drury said: “We were delighted to host the first Midlands Regional Forum at Pride Park Stadium and to be given the opportunity to showcase what we do for disabled supporters.
“It was great to see so many clubs within the region attend and share their ideas, information, experiences and best practice on a variety of topics. It was a great success.”