English Premier League (EPL) clubs have agreed to improve access for disabled supporters in time for the start of the 2017-18 season, following a government report that criticised the inadequate facilities for disabled fans at Premier League grounds.
Research by disability charity Level Playing Field shows that nearly half of Premier League football clubs don’t currently offer even half the wheelchair space they should under national guidelines.
In a statement, EPL said it will make disabled access “a priority” and that all its clubs have now agreed to comply with the Accessible Stadia Guide by August 2017.
The guide outlines the required number of wheelchair spaces and the need for each club to appoint a disability access officer, reporting directly to a senior executive.
“Wheelchair bays, steward training, websites, ticketing policies and parking should all be given urgent attention,” the EPL said in its statement.
“The Accessible Stadia Guide is a good practice guide for the design of sport facilities to meet the needs of disabled spectators.
“All Premier League stadiums are currently being assessed in order to determine where disabled access can be improved and the assessment is over a third of the way through.”
The EPL said it will also produce an access app for mobile devices – to be launched later this year – aimed at providing disabled fans with better information and building confidence in those who want to attend matches. The app will provide access information on facilities at all stadiums.
The announcement came shortly after the publishing of the
Inclusive and Accessible Stadia report, which highlighted "inexcusable lack of disabled access" at some sports clubs and venues".
Among the report's findings were that some disabled fans are unable to sit with their children – or with their fellow supporters – when attending matches.
Joyce Cook, chair of Level Playing Field, welcomed the EPL's commitment to set in stone a definitive deadline for improvements.
“Today is a very good day for disabled football fans and for the Premier League. It is a day to remember with some pride and with many thanks to everyone involved in making this happen,” she said.
“It has been a very long time coming (more than 14 years) but we wholeheartedly welcome this announcement from the EPL and its clubs.
“The promises made today will ensure that many more disabled fans can finally enjoy a fair and equal experience alongside fellow fans, friends and family.
For disabled football fans this is huge news but as always, the proof will be in the pudding. Level Playing Field looks forward to working with the EPL and its clubs to deliver on their promises.
“We didn’t expect this announcement today but that is often the best news and we’re looking forward to working with the clubs to deliver accessible stadia standards across the Premier League. To this end, we will be requesting a meeting with the Premier League over the coming few days.”
