As part of the CAFE Week of Action 2016 celebrations, disabled fans and their advocates have come together from across France to establish a national disabled supporters group.

On 2 April, representatives from many of the disabled supporters groups in France met in Saint-Etienne to hold the first general assembly of Fédération Française de Supporters de Football Handicapés (French Federation of Disabled Football Supporters - FFSFH).

FFSFH will be working with disabled fans from across France towards improving access and inclusion at French football stadiums.

Representatives from Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Paris and Saint-Etienne were present to elect the FFSFH executive committee, whilst also establishing committees and working groups.

The FFSFH general assembly is the start of a series of activities across France to celebrate the CAFE Week of Action 2016 - Total Football Total Access.

Rene Poutet was elected as the first President of FFSFH, and he said, "I am very happy and proud to be the first President of this federation. We are delighted to work together to ensure disabled people can take their rightful place within the game".

CAFE wishes FFSFH every success for the future, and we look forward to the group playing an active role in improving the matchday and non-matchday experience of disabled people in France.

A version of this article is also available in French.

Published 04/04/2016