At recent fixtures against Crystal Palace and London City Lionesses, Manchester United supported Level Playing Field’s (LPF) ‘Unite For Access’ campaign, celebrating and championing access and inclusion for all disabled supporters.
The annual campaign raises awareness of the barriers that disabled fans face, championing good practice across sports venues, and encouraging clubs and supporters to take action to improve inclusion. Through campaign films and engagement with clubs, Unite For Access is vital in driving meaningful change.
Matchday show of support
Michael Carrick and Marc Skinner both wore Unite For Access badges to drive awareness and show support for the campaign, which champions and celebrates good access and inclusion at sports venues.
Fan engagement
At our women’s fixture against London City on 15 February, we hosted a session in the Legends Suite, highlighting the matchday experience for disabled supporters, outlining the support the club offers, and identifying what more can be done to further improve inclusion.
During the game against Crystal Palace, supporters were also invited to gather on accessibility platforms throughout the stadium to learn about the campaign.
Improving accessibility for disabled supporters
Accessibility and inclusion for all fans is important to Manchester United. In recent weeks, we have begun to improve accessibility at our Megastore following an Equality Impact Assessment and MUDSA have provided feedback on further accessibility improvements.
Supporters who may require more assistance can now benefit from a personal shopper, either through a pre-arranged appointment (please email megastore@manutd.co.uk) or by asking any colleague at the front of the store.
Matchday disability awareness training for staff is also being implemented. Manchester United’s current matchday accessibility offering is extensive and includes audio descriptive commentary, along with dedicated accessibility teams and access stewards, and disability parking.
The club also welcomes assistance dogs and there is an Ability Suite located in the South-East Quadrant, behind the accessible viewing platform.
Manchester United Foundation
The Foundation also runs a huge amount of inclusive delivery in the community.
Programmes include Ability Counts, a PAN-disability football programme for players aged 5-25 held at the historic Cliff Training Ground; Inclusive Street Reds, offering free and inclusive mixed-ability football sessions, powered by Premier League Kicks; powerchair football; and FA para-talent sessions offering opportunities for participants with a visual impairment, hearing impairment and Cerebral Palsy to start their international journey.
The Foundation also has partnerships with eight SEND schools across Greater Manchester.
Discover more
To find out more about Level Playing Field’s Unite For Access campaign, please visit their website here. The Manchester United Disabled Supporters Group is free to join and open to all disabled Reds around the world.
Find out more on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or by emailing enquiries@mudsa.org.uk.
Supporters can view our Access Statement here.