Congratulations Chas! MUDSA leader honoured
Chas Banks, secretary of Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA), has been awarded an MBE for services to people with disabilities in Greater Manchester and North West England.
The award, which makes Banks a Member of the Order of the British Empire, recognises his huge contribution to improving the experience of disabled Manchester United supporters, and his work with Manchester United Foundation in supporting people with disabilities in the local community.
The MBE was announced on Friday evening as part of the first New Year’s Honours awarded by King Charles since his accession to the throne in September.
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Chas, who has been a prominent part of MUDSA for 25 years, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this honour and it was an amazing surprise when I was informed. There has been huge progress made in the way that disabled fans are treated at football games and I’m proud of the role that MUDSA continues to play in that ongoing process, particularly at Old Trafford.
“Of course, it’s a great honour personally, but really this is for everyone who has been part of building MUDSA into the biggest and best disabled supporters’ organisation in football. That wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Manchester United, my wife and carer Shirley, the MUDSA committee, and all our loyal members.”
“Of course, it’s a great honour personally, but really this is for everyone who has been part of building MUDSA into the biggest and best disabled supporters’ organisation in football. That wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Manchester United, my wife and carer Shirley, the MUDSA committee, and all our loyal members.”
Collette Roche, Manchester United Chief Operating Officer, said: “Congratulations to Chas on this fantastic achievement! He is a big character with a big heart and there are few people who epitomise the spirit of Manchester United better than he does. Everyone at the club is tremendously appreciative of everything he has done for our many disabled supporters over the past 25 years.
“We are particularly grateful for MUDSA’s support and input into our ongoing efforts to improve the experience for supporters with disabilities at Old Trafford. Chas has been integral in that process and the results can be seen in the tremendous variety of accessible seats available around the stadium, making it one of the best places anywhere for disabled fans to watch football.”
“We are particularly grateful for MUDSA’s support and input into our ongoing efforts to improve the experience for supporters with disabilities at Old Trafford. Chas has been integral in that process and the results can be seen in the tremendous variety of accessible seats available around the stadium, making it one of the best places anywhere for disabled fans to watch football.”
John Shiels MBE, Chief Executive of Manchester United Foundation, added: “Chas is a big part of the Manchester United family and that extends to Manchester United Foundation and MUDSA’s support for our work creating opportunities for people with disabilities in our local community.
“Chas has been a champion of our Inclusive Reds programme, which delivers mixed ability football sessions across Greater Manchester, as well as the MUDSA Cup for mixed ability teams from all over the country.”
Everyone at Manchester United would like to thank Chas for his tireless work and congratulate him for his honour.
“Chas has been a champion of our Inclusive Reds programme, which delivers mixed ability football sessions across Greater Manchester, as well as the MUDSA Cup for mixed ability teams from all over the country.”
Everyone at Manchester United would like to thank Chas for his tireless work and congratulate him for his honour.
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