This Saturday, Grimsby Town Football Club will be proudly supporting the annual Unite for Access campaign, an initiative coordinated by Level Playing Field and EFL clubs across the country to raise awareness for a more inclusive matchday experience for disabled fans.
The campaign highlights the importance of an accessible environment for supporters, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the matchday experience.
As part of the Unite for Access initiative, Grimsby Town will be welcoming members from various local disabled organisations set to join us in the Osmond Stand. These groups include GTFC Ability Counts, Linkage, Foresight, Orchard Education, Learning for Life, N E Lincs Parent Carer Forum, Rock Foundation, Franklin, and N E Lincs Disability Sports Forum.
Grimsby Town has long been at the forefront of supporting disabled fans, with the GTFC Disabled Supporters Club being one of the first of its kind in the country. Established in 1979, thanks to the efforts of founders Daphne and Don Farquharson, they began by organising away trips for disabled supporters, including their son George. Daphne continued her work for disabled supporters up until her passing in 2022, organising away trips and social events.
Last year saw the formation of the GTFC Disabled Supporters Association, whose objective is to improve accessibility and awareness around Blundell Park, including projects like enhancing the viewing experience for wheelchair users, creating a sensory/quiet room, improving toilet facilities to include more stoma friendly facilities, and increasing parking spaces for disabled supporters.
The DSA continues to work closely with the club and the GTFC Foundation to ensure Blundell Park is a safe, welcoming place for all.
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve access, the DSA has recently launched a membership scheme, open to anyone who wants to support the cause.
Membership is available for just £5, or for £10 where you will receive a limited-edition pin badge with your membership.
You can show your support and sign up either by using the forms that can be found in the bars or at the Ticket Office, or alternatively online at www.grimsbytowndsa.com.
This Saturday, the players will be proudly donning Unite for Access warm up tops, which will be signed and available for sale next week, with all proceeds going to the DSA. Additionally, there will be bucket collection points around the ground, so supporters can aid the vital work being done by the association.
Mariners Chief Executive, Polly Bancroft, added,
“We look forward to seeing you at Blundell Park for what promises to be another exciting day of football and community spirit. Enjoy the game, support the cause, and together, let’s continue to work towards a more accessible and welcoming future for all.
We’ll shortly be announcing a new facility for disabled and neurodivergent fans at the Salford City game, so watch this space.”
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