General Manager and Head of Access & Development with Level Playing Field improving access for disabled sports spectators. Opinions expressed are my own
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ALT Illustration of four people from different professions standing together: a teacher holding a book, a tradesperson in overalls with a hard hat and wrench, an office worker at a laptop, and a healthcare worker in scrubs. Warm colours and a friendly, collaborative style.
ALT W/HAT FEATURES COULD BE IN A NEW OR ADAPTED BARCLAYS W/SL OR BARCLAYS W/SL2 STADIUM? Here are some of the recommendations from WSL Football's latest stadia guidance:
ALT PLAYER ACCESS Player and backroom facilities that include... • Separate changing spaces for Under-18s • An increased number of private toilets, with mirrors and power • Menstruation provisions • Gender-specific changing areas for managers and backroom staff INCLUSIVITY & ACCESSIBILITY Facilities throughout fan and player spaces that include... • Toilets that are 45% female, 45% male and 10% all-gender • Accessible and family toilets • Baby-changing facilities • Breastfeeding rooms • Multi-faith reflection spaces
ALT FACILITIES & SAFETY Enhancing the matchday experience with... • Better lit walkways • Accessible transport links to and from the stadium • Connectivity with secure internet access • Water stations and shaded areas to futureproof against climate change FAN EXPERIENCE A focus on supporter-specific offerings such as... • Improved accessibility • Seating designed for female fans • Enhanced sightlines • Vibrant FanZones
ALT MEDIA/ BROADCASTERS As the media interest in women's football continues to grow, stadiums should offer... • A press conference room that fits 30-70 attendees • Designated TV studio areas • Mixed zone areas • A dedicated space for pitchside interviews
ALT Changing Places toilets aren’t just vital for the people who use them, they’re essential for the carers who support them, too. Many individuals rely on carers, personal assistants, or family members to help with intimate care tasks when out in public. Standard accessible toilets often lack the space and equipment needed to do this safely and with dignity.
ALT Changing Places toilets provide: Extra space to accommodate one or more carers or family members comfortably Specialist equipment like ceiling hoists and height-adjustable changing benches to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries A privacy screen, allowing carers to use the toilet themselves in a hygienic and dignified way while maintaining the individual’s privacy A safe, clean environment that recognises the shared needs of both the disabled person and those supporting them
ALT Without suitable facilities, carers are often forced to assist in cramped, unhygienic spaces - or worse, to risk their own health and safety through unsafe lifting or lack of proper equipment. They are also un able to go to the toilet easily when out of the house. By providing Changing Places toilets, we help protect carers’ wellbeing, support family life, and ensure public spaces are truly inclusive.
ALT Lord Rosser, wearing a suit, stood behind a metallic lectern with a microphone, in front of a green backdrop.
ALT Unite For Access is Level Playing Field's annual flagship campaign, which recognises and celebrates inclusion and accessibility for disabled sports fans at live sports events.
ALT Level Playing Field chief executive Owain Davies presents MK Dons with the Level Playing Field 'best away fan experience' award at half time in the club's match with Sheffield Wednesday. The text below reads - 'Level Playing Field - MK Don's awarded 'best away fan experience' - For Disabled Sports Fans'.
