This weekend sees the start of the NADS Level Playing Field 2008 disability awareness campaign which was launched at the recent Disability Equality Seminar at Wembley Stadium.
Clubs across the leagues are taking part with some great events planned over the next two weeks starting on 23rd February and running until 3rd March. This year the campaign theme focuses on facilities and services for people with sensory impairments.
Clubs use the campaign to raise disability awareness and promote their disabled supporter facilities and services, disability teams and community projects.
The Level Playing Field continues to gain momentum and is fully endorsed by the FA, Premier and Football Leagues and the Football Conference.
Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA's Director of Football Development and Patron of the Level Playing Field campaign says "We are delighted to be working in partnership with NADS on this important initiative which celebrates opportunities for disabled people in football."
The Football League says "The League's Board of Directors has agreed to support this worthwhile initiative alongside the FA and Premier League and will use the Carling Cup Final on Sunday 24th February to support the campaign".
The Football Conference says "The Football Conference is pleased to show its support of the NADS 2008 "Level Playing Field" campaign. We will be working with our Clubs and fans during the course of the year, with the objective of improving the match day experience and facilities for disabled fans".
Joyce Cook, NADS Chair says "It's a real chance for clubs to show supporters what they do best for disabled fans and their good works for disabled people in their communities. We hope that this year's campaign will encourage more disabled people to get involved in football by going to a match or by playing disability football. This year we especially want to increase awareness of the facilities and services available to sensory impaired fans."
There is still time to get involved in the 2008 campaign and for a list of suggested activities visit www.nads.org.uk/?page=325