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Launch of the Scottish Disabled Supporters Association

Published on 4 November 2010

On the 9th October 2010 at the National Stadium at Hampden in Glasgow the new Scottish Disabled Supporters Association was launched. 35 supporters representing 13 different clubs came from all over Scotland including as far as away as Aberdeen.

Keith Ferguson of CAFE facilitated the event and gave a presentation providing background on the Centre for Access to Football in Europe. Support for a national disabled supporters association has been publically welcomed by the S.P.L. and S.F.L.

There was a lot of discussion and agreement on the issues which affect supporters who are disabled following football however there was a willingness to work with the clubs to help improve facilities. It is anticipated that the SDSA will represent a substantial number of supporters who are disabled, personal assistants, family and friends with this number expecting to grow considerably as other clubs become involved.

A break out session was held with delegates asked to write down their top ten issues (more if they had them). This information would be collated later and used as a reference for the new association to start work on. The session really got everybody talking as you can from the pictures with lots of good ideas coming forward.

Above sees Keith kicking off the session in the background with Motherwell fans
thinking of points to raise.
 

Above Graeme Brown of the Accies Trust shares his thoughts with Kilmarnock fans.

Livingston supporters busy writing up ideas.

Rangers supporters along with Hibernian fan Ian share a joke.

Goods to see Dundee fans supporting the launch despite the internal financial problems at their club.

Three clubs’ reps in the above picture from Aberdeen (established DSA), Dundee United (new DSA) and St Mirren (DSA soon to start up).

Falkirk and Heart of Midlothian fans share their thoughts.

11 people volunteered to be steering committee members and there was a keenness to ensure all four divisions were represented. Keith had confirmed the national association would not be limited to SPL & SFL clubs as for example Highland League club supporters might be interested in being involved.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the organisations who had contributed towards the costs and the promise that the first steering committee meeting will take place in November 2010.

Thanks to everybody who attended what should be regarded as a very successful day.