Last week CAFE signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Football Federation in Ukraine (FFU), working together to improve the matchday experience of disabled Ukrainian football fans.

An official ceremony was held to sign the memorandum, attended by Vadym Kostychenko and Yurii Tytarenko (Vice-Presidents of the FFU), Nataliia Skrypka (Director of the National Assembly of Disabled People) and CAFE's Project Coordinator in Ukraine, Oleksandr Ostapa.

After the ceremony, Kostychenko said that signing the memorandum wasn't just a tokenistic gesture, but rather represented the serious plans that the FFU has in place to make football more accessible for disabled fans in Ukraine.

These plans include the launching of a national disabled supporters group, implementing audio-descriptive commentary at all of the national team's home matches and the appointment of Disability Access Officers at every top flight club.

Disabled people represent the largest minority group in any population, and Kostychenko stressed that it is crucial that the FFU does all it can to improve access.

The FFU asked for CAFE's support as it seeks to make live football welcoming and inclusive for all disabled people.

Oleksandr Ostapa said, "It was very pleasing to sign this memorandum of cooperation and underline the FFU's commitment to this topic. We look forward to hearing more about the positive actions they are taking in improving access in Ukraine".

A version of this article is also available in Ukrainian and Russian.

Published 07/12/2015