In February we appealed for supporters to put their names forward to join a small working party to discuss all aspects of the setting up of a Luton Town Disabled Supporters' Association and we have been delighted with the positive response we have received with dozens of you expressing an interest to be in at the start of something new and exciting at Kenilworth Road.
Invitations have now been extended to four of those expressing an interest to join Club staff and Richard Hill, a Hatters’ fan who first contacted the Club with his ideas to create a new channel of communication between disabled fans and the Club. This small group will meet once or twice before a larger, open meeting will be held to canvas the views of anyone with a viewpoint on this important topic. We have also contacted those who initially got in touch with us to ensure that they have a full opportunity to get involved at this early stage.
Richard Hill explains why he contacted the Club in the first place. "The initial reason for contacting the Club was to create a channel where the Club and disabled supporters would be able to understand each others needs and for the Club to gain a greater understanding of the issues facing disabled supporters in following Luton Town," said Richard.
"A Disabled Supporters' Association would give disabled supporters an opportunity to have their say and to improve and enhance their experience of watching Luton Town, especially at the Kenilworth Stadium.
"Hopefully we can also create an area on the Club website dedicated to all matters affecting disabled supporters, both for Luton fans and those of other clubs when visiting Luton."
Gary Sweet, Luton Town’s Managing Director is fully behind the project.
He said: "We want to hear from our disabled fans to hear about what they like and don’t like about their experiences following Luton Town and to learn from them what we could do better. We are limited, to some degree, by the constraints of exactly where our stadium was built, but we are extremely conscious of the need to at least listen to our disabled supporters and then to explain directly to them what we might be able to do and what we simply cannot.
"Having a Disabled Supporters Association will also be invaluable to us when we move closer to relocating our stadium as then we can really take on board the facilities requested by our supporters rather than what we think they might like."
We will continue to keep you informed of the progress of the Disabled Supporters Association and will extend an invitation to everyone to attend an open meeting in the not too distant future.