Staff

Joanna Deagle
Managing Director

Having originally joined CAFE in November 2014, Joanna was appointed as Managing Director two years later.

Joanna’s role at CAFE includes overseeing the growth and development of the organisation, working closely with UEFA and other external stakeholders to deliver CAFE’s works across Europe and beyond.

Joanna has a proven track record of working with football’s governing bodies to ensure that major tournaments and finals are accessible, inclusive and welcoming for a range of disabled spectators.

Under Joanna’s stewardship, CAFE has overseen the organisation’s largest International Conference in Bilbao, the development of the Disability Access Officer role, and the most accessible FIFA World Cup to date.

Prior to joining CAFE, Joanna worked and volunteered for a number of organisations such as Emmaüs France, and their partner organisation in Burkina Faso, the Brazilian Paralympic Team and ReachOut. Joanna also sits as an observer on the UEFA Football and Social Responsibility Committee, and is a Trustee of Level Playing Field.

Follow Joanna on LinkedIn.

Michael Rice
Media and Communications Manager

Michael joined CAFE in August 2011, and became the organisation’s first Media and Communications Manager in early 2015.

Throughout his time at CAFE Michael has managed CAFE’s website, social networks and news stories, helping to promote the CAFE message of Total Football #TotalAccess far and wide.

Michael also manages CAFE’s Audio-descriptive Commentary Network and training programme, and the ever-growing CAFE Week of Action – celebrated in a record 35 countries in 2019.

As the current longest serving member of the CAFE team, Michael has supported on planning and hosting International Conferences, the creation of publications such as the Disability Access Officer handbook, and promoting CAFE’s wider works around major tournaments and Finals. He also works with partners and external stakeholders on sharing and promoting news stories, events and activities.

Michael has previous experience working with an English Premier League academy, and is a former Director of a non-league football club.

Follow Michael on LinkedIn.

Jochen Kemmer
DAO Project Manager

Jochen joined the CAFE team in July 2017 to manage our works around the development of the Disability Access Officer role.

Jochen has provided expert guidance and training to national associations, leagues and clubs to support the effective implementation of the role across Europe. He has delivered training in over 25 countries, and remains in regular contact with stakeholders to facilitate the exchange of best practices.

Having initiated the creation of the European DAO Network Group, Jochen has also hosted workshops with the aim of developing a collaborative strategy and further promote the DAO role.

To foster further collaboration and cooperation, Jochen has initiated a number of exchange meetings between DAOs around UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches. He also offers important support and advice to DAOs on an ongoing basis.

Jochen has a wealth of experience within sport, working and volunteering with organisations including the International University Sports Federation, International Motorcycling Federation and Special Olympics. He is fluent in Spanish, English, French and German with a good knowledge of Portuguese.

Follow Jochen on LinkedIn.

Amy Wilson
Fans Liaison, Access and Administration Officer

Amy joined CAFE in February 2016 as our Administration and Project Support Officer, before taking on her current role later that year.

As part of her role, Amy leads on our fan-based projects, including our disabled fans surveys and matchday feedback. Amy is often the first point of contact with disabled fans, and works with supporters on projects such as #MyMatchday.

Amy has carried out a number of stadium access appraisals across Europe, making recommendations to stadiums, clubs and national associations on how they can improve access. She is also the main point of contact for disabled fans and disabled supporters associations to share their matchday experiences, or to seek access information at a particular stadium.

Ahead of each season's UEFA competition Finals, Amy prepares our Disabled Spectators' Guides for host venues and cities. Amy is also supporting UEFA with preparations for UEFA EURO 2020.

Amy is a long-standing member of an English Premier League club's DSA, and has vast experience of attending live matches across Europe as a disabled fan.

Follow Amy on LinkedIn.

Isobel Robins
Research Officer

Isobel joined the CAFE team in June 2019 as a Research Intern, and became our full-time Research Officer in October 2019.

Isobel's role includes researching best practice in technical accessibility requirements, including inclusive employment regulations, and leading on our research into inclusive solutions for non-visibly disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.

She also carries out research into disability terminology and statistics to better inform our works, and advises on commonly accepted and used proofs of disability from across the world.

Isobel graduated from the University of Manchester with a first-class degree in 2019, and is an avid rugby union player and fan.

Before joining CAFE, Isobel has previously worked as a coach and support worker for differently disabled people. She also has experience working on research projects about access to healthcare, refugees, female sexuality in sports, and discrimination.

Follow Isobel on LinkedIn.

Josh Emerson
Media and Communications Assistant

Josh joined the CAFE team in September 2020 as Media and Communications Assistant to support the team in developing CAFE’s online and social media presence.

Born in Edinburgh, Josh grew up in France before studying law in London and Paris. He later completed a Masters Degree in Sport Policy and International Development at the University of Edinburgh.

An avid football fan, coach and player he is passionate about the power of the game and inclusion. 

Josh joins the team having gained experience working in the communications team at Manchester City FC, and volunteering at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 in Paris and with Street Soccer Scotland in Edinburgh.

In his role at CAFE, Josh will also help manage our website and news stories iin order to help promote wider awareness of the power of live sport in changing the lives of many disabled people.

Follow Josh on LinkedIn.