CAFE DAO Project Manager Jochen Kemmer took part in a disability seminar hosted by the Moldovan Football Federation (FMF) this week.

The seminar, designed to raise further awareness around access and inclusion at football stadiums in Moldova, was opened by FMF General Secretary Nicolae Cebotari who welcomed guests and delegates to the FMF Sports Complex in Ciorescu.

Jochen introduced Access for All standards and spoke about CAFE's goal of Total Football Total Access. Jochen also spoke about the importance of the role of the Disability Access Officer, and the many benefits of improved access at stadiums.

A CAFE disability inclusion and etiquette training session was also provided, offering advice to clubs and stadiums about how they can provide an accessible, inclusive and welcoming experience for a range of disabled fans.

Speaking after the training seminar, Jochen said, "The objective of this training is to raise awareness amongst Moldovan clubs and the FMF on the importance of access and inclusion. This is the first step towards improved access and inclusion in Moldova, using the unique power of football to bring about larger changes in society".

"We at CAFE wish to work with all national associations and clubs all over Europe to make live football accessible to everybody", added Jochen.

The seminar was also attended by representatives from the FMF, Moldovan clubs and the Zimbru Stadium - the national stadium of Moldova.

Invasport Disability Association Moldova President Sergei Afanasenco also attended the seminar, and said "The seminar was very enjoyable and raised a number of important topics. It was a good time to raise awareness of the requirements of a range of disabled people - not just wheelchair users - and also to emphasise that improvements need to be made inside stadiums but also to the infrastructure surrounding them".

CAFE would like to thank the Moldovan Football Federation for hosting the training seminar, and to all participants for joining us in discussing access and inclusion.

For more information and to view a video from the seminar, please visit the FMF website here.

Published 26/06/2018