As the new football season got underway in Russia, CAFE met with the Russian Football Union (RFU) to discuss improving access to football for disabled fans.

On Tuesday 8^th August Managing Director Joanna Deagle, Project Manager Jochen Kemmer and CAFE Consultant Elena Popova met with representatives of the RFU to establish a strategy for better integration and inclusion of disabled people within the Russian football community.

One of the main topics of the meeting was the training of existing Disability Access Officers (DAOs) by CAFE and the introduction of the DAO role to topflight clubs in the 2018 / 19 season. Accessible stadium infrastructure and the employment of disabled people within football were also discussed.

Joanna said, “CAFE is delighted to be working with the RFU and this meeting was a great first step to ensuring disabled people in Russia can enjoy an inclusive and accessible matchday. Through this collaboration, we hope to see a more inclusive game in Russia where disabled people are welcomed as spectators and staff at all levels.”

Having already hosted Disability Inclusion and Etiquette Training sessions in Moscow, the RFU has demonstrated their commitment to improving the football landscape for disabled fans and CAFE is looking forward to a productive relationship in the future.

A version of this article is also available in Russian.

Published 01/09/2017