At AccessibAll, every event is an opportunity to expand what is possible.

Back in 2015, during the #TotalAccess Week of Action, we proudly set the first world record by hosting over 1,000 disabled supporters at a single match at the Śląsk Wrocław stadium.

But the challenge didn’t stop there. In October 2024, working alongside Atlético de Madrid, Diario AS, Integrated Dreams, and the World Football Summit, we hosted what became known as the “Most Inclusive Match in the World”, during the UEFA Champions League fixture between Atlético de Madrid and Lille OSC.

This wasn’t just about breaking records – it was about redefining access.

 

Our Goals

• Raise awareness about the rights of disabled fans and highlight the importance of creating a truly accessible football experience for everyone.
• Support Atlético de Madrid in enhancing accessibility at their matches.
• Beat stadium records both internationally and domestically… Or why not aiming to surpass the current benchmark of 1,740 attendees!

 

Want to Take Part? Discover more below!

Whether you are a fan group, football club or a club sponsor, if you are interested in joining the movement and contributing to the cause, we are here to help you rise to the challenge.

Based on the Access Champion Certification, we can support you in running pilot tests and assisting with the development of temporary solutions designed to highlight innovative practices – you can count on our team for guidance and practical support at every stage.

 

Preparing an Inclusive Matchday – Practical Guidelines

Creating an inclusive football match is about more than providing accessible seating. It requires careful planning to ensure that all fans, regardless of their disability, can enjoy the full matchday experience.

 

Planning and Coordination

• Appoint Accessibility Leads: Each participating organisation should designate a coordinator responsible for accessibility matters.
• Involve Disabled Supporters: Engage directly with disabled fans’ associations to understand their requirements and priorities.
• Work with Experts: Collaborate with partners specialising in disability inclusion (e.g. AccessibAll, Integrated Dreams) and relevant NGOs.
• Coordinate with Governing Bodies: Ensure alignment with your league operators, or the governing body (AFC, CONCACAF, FIFA, UEFA) and public authorities where applicable.

 

Ticketing and Seating

• Accessible Seating Areas: Allocate clear, accessible seating, including:
• Wheelchair spaces with adjacent companion seats.
• Sensory-sensitive areas for neurodivergent fans.
• Seats for partially sighted and blind fans, ensuring proximity to audio-descriptive services.
• Discounts and Group Bookings:
• Offer incentivised tickets for disabled fans.
• Provide complimentary tickets to organisations assisting with volunteer or promotional activities.
• Create group-specific booking codes to streamline access for large groups.

 

Transport and Access

• Accessible Parking: Ensure a sufficient number of dedicated parking zones near the stadium.
• Shuttle Services: Provide accessible transport options from key locations (airport, city centre, major stations).
• Public Transport Information: Publish clear information about accessible public transport options.

 

Fan Zone and Pre-Match Activities

• Fan Zone Accessibility: Ensure activation spaces are accessible and include adapted activities where possible.
• March for Inclusion: Organise a pre-match walk involving disabled supporters to raise awareness.
• Player Engagement: Where possible, arrange pre- or post-match meet-and-greet opportunities with players.

 

In-Stadium Accessibility

• Audio Description: Offer audio-descriptive commentary through headsets or mobile apps.
• Tactile Devices: Provide devices to help partially sighted and blind fans follow the match through touch.
• Create a Sensory Rooms: Offer quiet spaces for fans who may be overwhelmed by noise and crowds.
• Develop initiatives such as Colour-Blind Accessibility: Use colour-adjusted visual content within the stadium.
• Real-Time Captions and Sign Language: Include captions for announcements and consider in-stadium sign language interpretation.
• Clear Signage: Ensure signage is accessible, with good contrast and pictograms.

 

Volunteer Support and Staff Training

• Trained Staff: Ensure matchday staff are trained in accessibility protocols and disability etiquette.
• Diverse Volunteer Teams: Where possible, involve disabled volunteers to provide peer support.

 

Post-Match Follow-Up

• Record and Celebrate Achievements: Document milestones, such as record attendance figures or first-time initiatives.
• Collect Feedback: Invite structured feedback from disabled supporters for future improvements.
• Share Best Practices: Produce and publish an accessibility report to document successes and areas for growth.

 

Promotion and Awareness

• Use Official Club Channels: Integrate accessibility messaging into existing marketing campaigns.
• Work with Media Partners: Ensure accessible content is produced across social media, press, and club channels.
• Involve Ambassadors: Engage players and legends to act as visible advocates for inclusion.

 

Inclusion is a Shared Responsibility

With proper planning and collaboration, clubs, organisations, and fan groups can deliver an inclusive matchday experience where disabled fans feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

 

Interested in Partnering?

We are collaborating with clubs, organisations, and foundations worldwide to push accessibility forward. If your organisation is passionate about inclusion, get in touch to explore how we can work together.