At the AccessibAll Global Summit 2024 in Madrid, AccessibAll celebrated the wider empowerment and collaboration with disabled fans across Europe with the launch our Access Captains network.

Since 2009, AccessibAll has supported disabled fans and their advocates in establishing disabled supporters groups, fostering positive consultation with their clubs and national associations, and working in partnership as the experts in their respective regions.

To further strengthen this partnership, and to empower disabled fans as leaders, we are delighted to launch the Access Captains network. This project will see AccessibAll work alongside disabled fans and advocates across Europe and beyond, developing our local knowledge whilst also helping Access Captains to drive further change in their countries.

Gohar Navasardyan, who joins as an AccessibAll Access Captain in Armenia, said, "I am truly honoured by the invitation and excited about this opportunity to support and empower disabled fans across Europe. It’s inspiring to see AccessibAll take such impactful steps toward inclusivity and accessibility, and I am thrilled to be a part of it".

At the heart of every inclusive society lies the unwavering commitment of individuals who champion the rights and requirements of all of its members. Inspired by this vision, we are proud to speak in a unified voice alongside our Access Captains and wider disabled fans networks.

Jon Attenborough, a partially sighted football fan and expert from Scotland, said, "I am so excited to become an AccessibAll Access Captain, and I am really looking forward to working with the teams in my local region to help to make the game that we all love accessible and inclusive for all".

All of the initial Access Captains have signed a pledge outlining their commitment and partnership. As Access Captains, they have recognised the importance of creating environments where disabled people have the opportunity to play an inclusive role. The commitment includes the following key areas, which we believe will drive meaningful change:

 

Awareness & Advocacy

• Promote Accessibility and Inclusivity
• Advocate for Rights and Requirements

 

Knowledge Sharing

• Share Positive Narratives

 

Education & Outreach

• Engage in Meaningful Discussions
• Promote Accessibility Education

 

We have already made significant progress. Following the AccessibAll Global Summit, we held an initial meeting with the first cohort of Access Captains and an important first agreement emerged: to focus on helping the network establish a structured approach to accessibility. By laying down the foundations for effective collaboration, we aim to amplify our impact and ensure that our efforts are sustainable.

Our journey began with a dedicated team of 11 Access Captains, united by a common goal. As we move forward, we are committed to expanding the reach and impact of the initiative, with further Access Captains to join the movement. We believe that collective action and persistent advocacy can lead to transformative changes in how societies perceive and include disabled people.

We invite you to share this endeavour and by supporting initiatives that promote accessibility - every effort counts and helps to make a big difference!

The Access Captains network is open to all disabled fans. If you’d like to get involved or learn more, drop us an email at [email protected].

Together, let's build a world where inclusivity is the norm, not the exception.

Published 10/12/2024