The launch day of the new Swansea City Disabled Supporters Association took place on March 23rd at the Liberty Stadium. Delegates included disabled supporters, carers, Swansea City Chairman Huw Jenkins, Stadium officials, Swansea City FC Disability officer, Board Members of Swansea City Supporters Trust and Jackie Newing of Level Playing Field.

The meeting commenced with a presentation by Ian James, Club and Supporters’ Trust Disability Officer on how disability issues are dealt with at the club. He highlighted the need for a single group to represent the voice of disabled supporters and increase the co-operation and understanding between the club and its disabled fans. Jackie Newing then gave a presentation on how the Disabled Supporters’ Association(DSA) would work and explained the need to set up a Steering Group to get things moving.

A lively Q&A session followed with many people seeing the setting up of the DSA as a welcome and positive step by the club.

A number of people registered their interest in becoming part of the Steering Group and the next stage will be to get a core group of about 7-8 people to set up the Steering Group. All those who registered an interest will be contacted shortly to explain the next stage of the process. The Steering Group will produce a draft structure for the Disabled Supporters Association in advance of an AGM which will then elect Officers to run the new Association.

Ian James, the club disability officer, said “I would like to thank everybody who helped organise the day and contributed to a successful launch. I was pleased with the turnout and the positive attitude of the supporters who turned up and contributed. This is a very exciting new venture that was driven by the Supporters Trust and has the full commitment of the club and the stadium management company”
Club Chairman Huw Jenkins addressed the Forum along with Disabled Persons Officer Ian James and Jackie Newing from Level Playing Field