Disability & Inclusion Fan Network
The Disability & Inclusion Fan Network was established to create an inclusive and supportive environment for football supporters with disabilities across Europe.
Contents
- Network Objectives
- Our Priorities for 2025/26
- Why join the Disability & Inclusion Fan Network?
- Background
- Meetings & Engagement
- Steering Committee
- Meet the 2025/26 Steering Committee
- Away Fans Survey
- Network Timeline
The network works collaboratively to address accessibility challenges, share best practices, and advocate for meaningful changes that enhance the matchday experience for fans with disabilities.
In addition, the network empowers and supports fans to take active roles in advocating for accessibility, either by creating their own organisations or by fostering spaces within existing fan organisations, ensuring that supporters with disabilities have a voice and influence in shaping the future of football.
Our growing network represents individual fans, Disabled Supporters Associations (DSAs), inclusive fan groups, national team fan groups, and national representative groups for fans with disabilities. Supporters from over 25 countries are represented in the network.
Ready to join the network? Begin by taking our short survey.
The network is designed to provide a space for individuals to share their experiences with other fans with disabilities across Europe, fostering better scope and practice.
It aims to create a collaborative environment where fans with a disability can learn from one another and implement improved accessibility measures in their respective footballing communities.
Network Objectives
- Actively encourage and mobilise fans with a disability to independently create an avenue to have their voices heard at their club/league level in respective countries
- Promote inclusivity and accessibility within football stadiums and fan culture.
- Provide a platform for supporters with disabilities to share their experiences and perspectives.
- Advocate for policies and initiatives that improve stadium access and fan engagement.
- Support the development of Disabled Supporters’ Associations (DSAs) & Inclusive Fan Groups across Europe.
- Facilitate exchange of information between traveling fans.
- Ensure ongoing dialogue between supporters with a disability and football stakeholders.
- Support research and data collection on the experiences of fans with disabilities to drive future accessibility improvements.
Our Priorities for 2025/26
Based on input from our network member survey for 2025/2026 season, the network has identified three focus areas for the coming year:
- Supporting the creation and development of Disabled Supporters Associations (DSAs)
- Promoting inclusive fan culture (visibility, allyship, and representation)
- Reporting non-compliance with UEFA minimum accessibility criteria
Why join the Disability & Inclusion Fan Network?
- Meet other fans with similar lived experiences
- Share challenges and solutions
- Influence clubs, leagues, and UEFA
- Get support to start or grow your fan group
- Be part of improving matchdays for everyone
Supporters can be part of the conversation and join the network here.
Background
Supporters groups and individual fans focused on disability and inclusion have been at the heart of FSE’s work for many years. Following a motion at the 2023 European Football Fans Congress (EFFC), was mandated by its members to build on this foundation by further developing our network of fans with disabilities. The Disability & Inclusion Fan Network formally launched in June 2025 and continues to grow month by month.
Meetings & Engagement
An annual in-person network meeting is organised each year, with additional online sessions held when relevant. Members are also welcome to contact the Disability and Inclusion Fan Network Coordinator at any time for information, updates, or support, via: info[a]fanseurope.org
Steering Committee
A steering committee is annually elected within the network to ensure the strategic aims and objectives are met. This group:
- Consists of a core team of active members who will meet quarterly.
- Will be led by the Disability & Inclusion Fan Network Coordinator, who will facilitate discussions, provide updates on the network’s progress, and oversee the day-to-day management and implementation of activities.
- Provides strategic input and recommendations to help shape key initiatives within the network and for FSE more widely.
- Reviews the overall effectiveness of the network’s work, providing feedback to ensure it aligns with the strategic goals.
- Supports the development of a work plan to guide the network’s priorities and actions, ensuring a clear strategic direction.
Meet the 2025/26 Steering Committee:
- Get to know the newly selected network steering committee who will help guide our work this season:
- Rick Clement (Manchester United, England)
- Paula (SV Babelsberg 03, Germany)
- Jane McDermott (Dundalk, Ireland)
- Simon Scheidegger (Young Boys, Switzerland)
- Piotr Czarnota (GKS Katowice, Poland)
- Rebecca Collis (Chelsea, England)
- Kieran Jones (Cardiff City, Wales)
- Jasna Nikolovska (FK Pelister, North Macedonia)
- Al Rayment (Manchester United, England)
Away Fans Survey
Following collaboration from the network, supporters with disabilities can share feedback on key accessibility considerations as a part of their experience travelling away to UEFA Club Competition matches in FSE’s Away Fans Survey. The survey can be completed here.
Network Timeline
2023:
- The FSE Membership adopts a motion to develop its network of fans with disabilities at EFFC 2023
2024:
- Consultation with members and stakeholders on formalising a network
2025:
- The European-wide network is launched at EFFC 2025
- Inaugural steering committee is selected by network members
- Priorities for 2025/26 season are set
Get in touch!
Have questions about the network? Get in touch with the FSE team here.