We are delighted to announce that Charles Vernam and Liv Kershaw have been named Grimsby Town Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) Ambassadors for the 2026/27 season.
Charles will represent the Men’s First Team, while Liv will represent the Women’s First Team, with both players supporting the DSA throughout the campaign by helping to raise awareness of the Association’s work and its ongoing commitment to making football at Blundell Park as accessible and inclusive as possible for all supporters.
The GTFC Disabled Supporters Association was established in October 2024, building on more than four decades of incredible work supporting disabled Mariners. While originally focused on organising away travel, the Association now works in partnership with the Club to enhance every aspect of the matchday experience, ensuring all supporters feel welcome, valued and able to enjoy football, regardless of their physical or mental capability.
The organisation’s story began in 1979, when Don and Daphne Farquharson founded the Grimsby Town Disabled Supporters Club to enable their son, George, and others in similar circumstances to attend away matches. Following the tragic loss of both George and Don, Daphne dedicated herself to growing the organisation in their memory, becoming a tireless advocate for disabled supporters and a much-loved figure within the Grimsby community.
Her determination helped break down barriers across the game, while decades of fundraising and support ensured countless Mariners could continue following the Club they love.
Today, under the leadership of Dave and Paul Roberts, the DSA continues to build on that legacy. Since becoming an official Disabled Supporters Association in 2024, it has worked closely with the Club to deliver meaningful improvements, including the introduction of a sensory room at Blundell Park and plans for a dedicated wheelchair viewing platform, with further accessibility projects already in development.
As DSA Ambassadors, Charles and Liv will support the Association’s work throughout the season by promoting its initiatives, engaging with supporters and helping to highlight the importance of creating an inclusive environment for everyone attending Blundell Park.
Speaking about his appointment, Charles said:
“I’m really proud to be the Men’s First Team Ambassador for the Disabled Supporters Association this season. Football is for everyone, and it’s so important that every supporter feels welcome and able to enjoy coming to Blundell Park.
“The work the DSA does behind the scenes is incredible and makes a real difference to so many people. I’m looking forward to getting involved throughout the season, meeting supporters and helping to raise awareness of everything the Association does.”
Liv added:
“It’s a real privilege to become the Women’s Team Ambassador for the Disabled Supporters Association. The work they do to improve accessibility and ensure every supporter can enjoy football is something the whole Club should be proud of.
“I’m excited to support the DSA over the coming season, meet as many supporters as possible and help champion the fantastic work they continue to do for our community.”
Kevin Donovan, Chair of the GTFC Disabled Supporters Association, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome both Charles and Liv as our Ambassadors for the 2026/27 season. Having representatives from both the Men’s and Women’s teams is a fantastic reflection of the inclusive approach we’re continuing to build at Grimsby Town.
“The role of our ambassadors is about much more than simply lending their names to the Association. Their support will help raise awareness of the work we do, encourage conversations around accessibility and inclusion, and help us continue making Blundell Park a welcoming environment for every supporter.
“I’d like to thank both Charles and Liv for their enthusiasm and willingness to support the DSA, and we’re looking forward to working closely with them throughout the season.”
Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club would like to thank the Disabled Supporters Association for its continued dedication to improving the matchday experience for our supporters and congratulate Charles and Liv on becoming the Association’s Ambassadors for the 2026/27 season.
Together, we look forward to continuing to make Blundell Park a place where everyone feels welcome.
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