The CAFE Board of Trustees recently held its quarterly meeting in Manchester, reflecting on the organisation's achievements and deliberating on the next steps for our progressive journey.

The meeting covered a number of topics to ensure that we remain at the forefront of promoting accessibility and inclusivity in European football. This included:

• Administration: A thorough review was conducted regarding the minutes from the previous Board meetings, along with addressing any outstanding or arising matters
• Accounts and Finance: An overview of the current financial position was provided for the Trustees' information
• CAFE Team: Insights into staffing dynamics were shared, discussing potential shifts and roles within the organisation
• CEO Update and Review: Key developments and ongoing partnerships were discussed, including our relationship with UEFA, interactions with other stakeholders, and commercial developments
• CAFE Risk Management Review: An in-depth analysis was conducted to ensure that all potential risks are identified and adequately addressed

The fruitful meeting also included discussions on how we plan to extend our services to new reaches, and our upcoming plans ahead of a busy footballing calendar.

The meeting provided a heartfelt platform to express gratitude towards Tony Taylor, who left the Board of Trustees in September. CAFE Chairman Mark Flewitt commented, "We thank Tony for his unwavering commitment and dedication to our cause over many years. His wise counsel and guidance to the Board have been invaluable in the development of the organisation, and and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours".

Speaking following the meeting, CAFE CEO Olivier Jarosz said, "The meeting in Manchester came at a crucial time. Having formally begun our work over the summer, I have come to better understand our organisation's position and direction. While standing at a crossroad can be challenging, it also presents an opportunity to pivot for the betterment of so many disabled football fans".

"Disabled people remain the largest minority group in the world today, and it is imperative that their voices should not be overlooked. We are committed to advancing towards greater inclusivity. Now, more than ever, accessibility is paramount in our societies and we are eager to assist our partners and governing bodies in setting benchmarks of excellence", added Olivier.

Find out more about the CAFE Board of Trustees.

Published 23/10/2023