Community Benefits: Community Engagement
Details:
ASW Technical Director in his role as Disability Officer of Swansea City FC hosted a forum of Football League clubs at the Liberty Stadium on 17th October 2013. The forum was designed to discuss disability issues and share best practice to improve the matchday experience for disabled supporters. Ian said “Although the facilities and services provided by most football clubs have improved over the last few years there is still a lot of work to be done. I am pleased to say that Swansea City FC and the Swansea Stadium Management Company are working together to improve facilities and services for its disabled supporters
Background:
Ian James, ASW Technical Director undertakes voluntary work as the Disability Officer for Swansea City FC. His role is to work with the club to improve facilities and services for disabled fans.
Ian joined as Disability Officer after working with the club as Disability Representative on the Board of the Swansea City Supporters Trust. Ian also set up the Swansea City FC Disabled Supporters Association as an independent voice for the disabled supporters. The DSA has gone from strength to strength and now holds regular social evenings in full association with the club.
Ian is also the representative for a number of local clubs in the area under the South West Disabled Fans Experience Forum which shares best practice across the region. Clubs include, Cardiff City, Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle and others.
More recently Ian has become involved with the Welsh Regional Forum for Welsh clubs across Wales set up by Level Playing Field a charity set up looking after the interests of disabled sports fans across the UK.
