AccessibAll recently held the latest meeting with our Access Captains, bringing together disabled fan partners to discuss practical progress on accessibility in football and stadiums.

At the 2024 AccessibAll Global Summit in Madrid, AccessibAll introduced the Access Captains initiative - a group of like-minded disabled fans and advocates. The initiative aims to develop our local knowledge whilst also helping Access Captains to drive further change in their countries. 

Access Captains from over ten countries took part in the meeting and shared updates from their work with clubs and competitions, including recent engagement connected to Manchester United, Celtic Football Club, 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Qarabağ FK, plus wider discussions on improving access at domestic matches and European fixtures.

We also covered the expansion of audio-descriptive commentary through ongoing partnerships, including regular weekly coverage at an Olympic ice hockey match this week - the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

Access Captains received an update on our #Erasmus+ work, which is developing learning resources with football partners. We also discussed planning for the upcoming #TotalAccess Week of Action, scheduled for 13-29 March, with Access Captains encouraged to share opportunities across their networks.

Other agenda items included matchday feedback and photo sharing to support improvements, preparations for UEFA club competition Finals ticketing, and early discussion on new collaborations. Access Captains also raised everyday access barriers, including pavement parking after matches and the need for accessible away seating.

What are Access Captains?

Launched in 2024 at the AccessibAll Global Summit, Access Captains is an open forum for disabled fans to connect, share experiences, and discuss practical access and inclusion issues across football. A pan-disability group with a vast geographical reach, Access Captains provide direct matchday feedback, engage with clubs and Disability Access Officers, and support improvements that help disabled supporters attend matches with more independence and confidence.

What happens next?

We will continue with hosting our regular meetings and dialogue, share resources, support awareness campaigns, and strengthen collaboration between disabled fans and clubs. Access Captains remains open to opinion and voices.

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact our Fans Liaison, Access and Administration Officer at [email protected]. 

Published 19/2/2026