The following column was written by LTDSA chairman Richard Hill for last Saturday's matchday programme, to mark the start of Level Playing Field's Weeks of Action...
Luton Town Disabled Supporters Association are very happy to support the ‘Level Playing Field’ Weeks of Action campaign, which looks to shine a light on the positive work being done by clubs, DSAs, fans and other organisations towards access and inclusion.
Believe it or not, this is the 17th season that Level Playing Field have run this campaign and at Luton Town, we are always very keen to take part to highlight the work that our very own DSA (Disabled Supporters Association) do.
As we are all too well aware, the last 12 months or so have been very challenging and as I write this, those challenges continue. As football fans and followers, we are all denied access to our ground and the match days experiences that we crave for.
It has become vital that clubs (like ours) create opportunity to reach out into the community to help support those of us that may feel isolated and anxious. Luton Town FC have been fantastic at this and as supporters, we really appreciate those that have helped.
Throughout the year we have seen the club support the community and it is crucial that we continue to celebrate the good work that continues to be done. Sixty-two percent of fans have said that if they were unable to return to live sport this season, they fear it would have a huge impact on their own mental health.
This is a stark reminder of just how serious things are and like you, we are keen to see live sport return as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, it is important that we all take time to just check on our neighbours, just to make sure they are OK.
One of the loyal fans that our DSA committee member Nicki Livingstone supports and reached out to was Dagbota Hart.
Dagbota, pictured above, said: “I support Luton Town football club and I am missing the goals and also the fabulous burgers. I miss my friends at football. I have been at home keeping busy colouring, listening to music on my I pad. I am keeping fit walking and making lots of healthy food. I love wearing my Luton Town hat, scarf, gloves and coat when I am out, and people smile at me”.
Kind regards & stay safe,
Richard Hill MBE
Chairman, Luton Town DSA
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE LTDSA HERE.