Disability Sport & Recreation’s Post

Our survey findings make it clear that disabled fans face significant barriers when attending European away matches, and both UEFA and football clubs must do more to ensure a truly inclusive experience. Disabled supporters are reporting poor accessibility at stadiums, with over half rating their experiences as "poor" or "very poor." These ratings are significantly worse than those for matches in England and Wales, according to our annual fan survey. The survey also reveals the alarming statistic that 79% of wheelchair users have to sit with home fans, which should never happen in a sport that prides itself on inclusivity. Football is a tribal game; we go to be with our fellow fans, and being separated is an obvious sign that disabled supporters are not being properly considered. Furthermore, supporters describe UEFA’s communication with disabled fans as almost non-existent, with a staggering 29% of respondents characterising it in this way. UEFA’s commitment to accessibility is also rated poorly, with nearly 90% of disabled fans feeling that their efforts fall short. Many fans are unaware of any existing UEFA policies aimed at improving disability access, which highlights a troubling lack of transparency and initiative. To address these issues, UEFA and clubs must enforce existing guidelines and ensure that away disabled fans are treated with dignity. This includes providing sufficient accessible seating, allowing disabled supporters to sit with fellow away fans, and improving communication. Clubs should take proactive steps to support their disabled supporters, such as appointing Disability Liaison Officers for all matches and ensuring their staff are trained to recognise both visible and no visible disabilities. Football is for everyone, and it’s time for UEFA and clubs to step up and make that a reality for all fans. This isn’t just about meeting the minimum requirements; this is about providing a respectable, equitable match-day. #Football #Disability #UEFA

We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with CBC/Radio-Canada (the national broadcaster) to enhance exposure of youth sports across Canada. This initiative will see the deployment of 300 Pixellot cameras across Canada, allowing youth athletes, including those in remote and underserved areas, to share their sporting moments with friends, family, their communities and more on a national platform 🇨🇦 ✨ Read more: https://lnkd.in/dcy6kCsu #CBC #CBCSports #Canada #YouthSports #SportsInnovation #OTT #SportsDevelopment #SportsTech #SportsBroadcasting

I’ve always believed football isn’t just about elite competition, performance, and rankings. Sport is about so much more than that. It’s also about creating opportunities for sectors that might not otherwise engage with it. That's why I was thrilled to hear about The Street Child World Cup 2026. It's a global event where teams of young people who've experienced homelessness or street living come together to play football. The purpose of this event is threefold: → Raise awareness about the challenges faced by children living and working on the streets. → Provide a platform for these children to share their stories. → Call for change and demand that their rights be protected. Remember: Football holds potential beyond winning and losing. It can make a positive difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide, creating opportunities for those who suffer from health issues, disabilities, and inequalities. So, thank you, Street Child United, for organizing this global event.

Tomorrow is #GAAD, that's Global #Accessibility Awareness Day, a time to acknowledge how much the world has accomplished and still needs to do to support #inclusive access for all. Take a moment to listen as Jenny Lay-Flurrie Joe Devon and Jennison Asuncion share insightful thoughts. #inclusion #DEI #techforall #disability Microsoft

You may be wondering what is #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay? Watch this short interview hosted by Microsoft Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie with GAAD co-founders Joe Devon and Jennison Asuncion 18 min of your time will tell you the origins, purpose, future aspirations, if AI is going to help make our world more accessible, and what you can do today. #GAAD #DigitalAccessibility #Disabilities

Engaging with the local community is vital for the success of a basketball club in the Caribbean. Hosting events not only builds support but also ignites enthusiasm for the sport. From organizing community games to interactive workshops with professional players, these events are a gateway to nurturing camaraderie and excitement. It’s more than just basketball; it's about creating unforgettable experiences for the entire community. Looking to get even more involved. Imagine attending a basketball festival on the beach, complete with barbeque and live music. 🎶 Such captivating gatherings encourage local support and might just spark a fresh passion for basketball among attendees. Drop a comment if you'd be interested in participating in these immersive events and share them with your friends. 🌴🏀 #CommunityEngagement #BasketballFestivals #LocalSupport.

Kudos to Sky Sports for their in-depth mini-documentary series "Chasing the Dream" gaining a closer look into the academy system. Grateful that no1fan.club was featured in episode 6. Full episdose here: https://lnkd.in/eP5yMEDr There’s clearly an increased focus on education and player care within academies, and things have really changed over the last few years. While progress is evident, there is room for external support, so the industry's openness to organisations like ours is encouraging.  There’s no one perfect system, but collaboration is key, so together we can enhance player experiences and support families. Keen to know your thoughts on the series, if you’ve had a chance to watch it.

The Power of Amateur Sports: Building Communities and Bridging Differences In today's fast-paced world, the importance of sports, especially at the amateur level, cannot be overstated. At Tap N Score, we believe that amateur ball games like basketball and football play a crucial role in enriching our lives and strengthening our communities. Why are amateur sports so vital? ⚽ 🏀 Physical Health: Regular participation in sports keeps us active and healthy 💪 Mental Wellbeing: Sports provide stress relief and boost mood through endorphin release 🤗 Social Connections: Amateur games bring people together, fostering new friendships and strengthening existing ones 🤝 Community Building: Local sports events create a sense of belonging and community pride 🏠 Breaking Barriers: On the field or court, differences fade away as teamwork takes center stage 👥 This is why we created Tap n Score, a social platform dedicated to organizing and managing amateur ball games ⚽ 🏀 Our mission is to build vibrant social communities around these games, connecting people from all walks of life. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, Tap N Score makes it easy to find games and join teams, and be part of a larger sports community 🏆 Join us in celebrating the power of amateur sports. Let's play, connect, and build stronger communities together! 🤲 #AmateurSports #CommunityBuilding #TapnScore #SportsForAll

At some point over the next couple of days, take a #Timeout and watch this four minute segment featuring our own NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, alongside Adam Silver, Roger Goodell, and Robert Kraft. This terrific #Timeout Against Hate partnership, led by Robert Kraft's foundation, should make us all pause, reflect, and unite to fight hate. Mr. Kraft says it best: "In sports, we call a 'timeout' when things are heading in the wrong direction and right now, in our country, hate is winning, and we need to change the momentum. By uniting under a common cause, we amplify our message and demonstrate that the power of sports extends beyond stadiums, arenas and fields, and into our communities. This initiative is a call to action for everyone to join us in creating a world where hate is met with a unified stand for empathy, understanding, and respect." https://lnkd.in/gw6J28_W

How do sports change lives? Learn from Neelam Babardesai's experiences in fostering physical literacy and grassroots sports development on this episode of the #AnahitaSpeakerSeries. Tune in: https://buff.ly/4cAt1LO