In recent days, the 1st meeting of the 'Disability Access Officer Network Group' took place at FC Barcelona, where CAFE (Center for Access to Football in Europe) brought together several 'Disability Access Officers' from European football clubs and other stakeholder to make football more accessible for all in the future. Club Brugge was also present at this event.
CAFE – CENTER FOR ACCESS TO FOOTBALL IN EUROPE
The organisation CAFE works with supporters, football clubs and governments to make the football experience more accessible for fans with disabilities.
Since June 2015, within the 'UEFA Club Licensing & Financial Fair Play' rules, it has been mandatory for football clubs to appoint a 'Disability Access Officer' (DAO) as a focal point on accessibility in the football experience. CAFE set up a network of DAOs to share good experiences and implement the new function in European football.
Those attending the meeting at Camp Nou included AC Milan, Bayern Munich, the Premier League and, of course, Club Brugge. Peter Gheysen, Foundation Coordinator at Club Brugge, gave a comprehensive presentation on Club's work on inclusion and accessibility.
"Despite the fact that we play in an outdated Jan Breydel stadium, we have taken a lot of steps in recent years to make it even more accessible for fans with disabilities. For example, since 2012, the number of wheelchair-accessible seats in the Jan Breydel Stadium has doubled to 85 seats, which are sold out every home game. Every home game, we provide audio descriptive commentary for blind and visually impaired fans via our blind grandstand. Fans with mental disabilities get the necessary adapted service they need to enjoy the football. And our SFCB on Wheels supporter group does a very good job of representing this growing group of fans. A lot of very good things are happening, which can certainly be seen and of which we can be proud."
"MANY CHALLENGES STILL AWAIT US IN TERMS OF ACCESSIBILITY"
Gheysen also reflected on plans for the future. "We realise that many challenges await us in the future. Within the current stadium, we are at our limit. We therefore hope for a breakthrough in the stadium dossier, so that we can also allow this growing group of supporters to be a full part of the fan experience at Club, in a brand new stadium that can be a model in terms of accessibility."
"At Club, we are convinced that all fans should be able to enjoy the football experience, regardless of one's capabilities or limitations. By participating in this European knowledge group of CAFE, we can share our experience on a large scale and take useful ideas back to Bruges to implement at our place."
More information about CAFE can be found on: www.cafefootball.eu
