# Level Playing Field **Annual Report**
2021
w w w . l e v e l p l a y i n g f i e l d . o r g . u k
A n n u a l R e p o r t
|Contents||
|---|---|
|President's foreword|3|
|Chair's report|5|
|About Level Playing Field|7|
|**For the Fans**|**11**|
|**For the Clubs**|**25**|
|**Campaigns**|**30**|
|**Knowledge Centre**|**37**|
|Partnerships|42|
|Covid-19|45|
|Level Playing Field|49|
|A word from the Chief Executive|53|
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## President's foreword
## **David Bernstein CBE**
I am pleased to welcome you to this year's Level Playing Field Annual Report.
In a year where we have had to adapt our ways of living and working, the charity has continued to promote access and inclusion in line with its charitable objectives.
Once again, the staff team has worked hard in a holistic fashion, ensuring that the real-life views of disabled fans are represented and shared, whilst also supporting clubs in providing greater access and inclusion.
We have seen some key challenges in 2021 that have significantly impacted disabled sports fans. Firstly, the Event Research Programmes, which saw Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) fans excluded from attending live sport during the test events (it is also important to acknowledge that not all disabled fans are clinically extremely vulnerable). Secondly, the abhorrent behaviour and stadium breaches we saw at the Euro 2020 final, where accessible entrances were targeted to unlawfully gain entry putting disabled sports fans in harm's way. I am pleased to report that Level Playing Field worked hard to successfully overturn the Event Research Programme exclusions and that the organisation also made a significant contribution and representations to the review of the Euro 2020 final undertaken by Baroness Casey.
We also saw the Fan Led Review, led by Tracey Crouch MP – something that many will know I have a keen interest in. Level Playing Field contributed both with oral and written evidence to the review, which is undoubtedly an important milestone for the overall governance of football. Level Playing Field strongly supported the call for an independent regulator, but there was some disappointment that the report was thin in terms of referencing disability.
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I know that the team at Level Playing Field will continue to work with the government and all interested stakeholders to ensure disability has an appropriate platform and representation as football responds to the review.
Our campaigning activities continue to deliver both strong numbers and awareness. This year saw a 27% increase in social media analytics, with clubs delivering many innovative projects to celebrate the Level Playing Field Weeks of Action.
The charity is very fortunate to have a passionate Board of Trustees, Ambassadors and Honorary Officers and I am grateful for their support and dedicated work.
Moving forward, We will continue to see fans returning to stadia on matchdays and Level Playing Field will play a big part in supporting disabled fans and representing their views to ensure that the return to normality is as smooth and safe as possible.
It will be a busy 12 months ahead and I look forward to seeing the achievements during this period.
With best wishes,
## **David Bernstein CBE**
## Chair's report
## **Tony Taylor**
On behalf of the Board of Trustees at Level Playing Field, I am pleased to welcome you to our latest Annual Report. I would like to thank our President, David Bernstein CBE, our Vice Presidents Lord Faulkner of Worcester, Lord Rosser of Ickenham and David Davies OBE, for their continued support and wise counsel in an ever-changing landscape.
Level Playing Field's Ambassadors play an integral role in raising awareness and bringing our vision to life. I am, as always, grateful for their continued and dedicated support over the year.
During the past 12 months, as the pandemic locked down society, many people have experienced the loss of live sport; it provides an opportunity to connect with others in our community. This brings so much more than simply being socially connected – we have long stressed the significant physical and mental health benefits for disabled people in attending live sport. After a period of fans being absent on matchdays, so many people now recognise that watching live sport is so much more than just the 90 minutes on the pitch. Lockdown did bring many challenges of course, but we have worked hard with governing bodies and clubs, many of which went that extra mile to ensure that their disabled supporters were not marginalised.
During the year, our work has benefitted from the data and analytics produced by our surveys. We launched the findings from our largest disabled sports fans survey in the summer, with over 1400 fans contributing to the Level Playing Field Annual Fan Survey. The results indicated that 30% of respondents felt that they could not attend sports or sporting venues due to poor access. Whilst much progress has been made in recent years, this represents a stark reminder that there is much more to be done and we must not be complacent.
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As our President mentions in his foreword, we have seen several issues which have required our sharp focus. We are proud and passionate about representing disabled sports fans and their experiences. With the potential exclusion of CEV fans at the Event Research Programmes and the appalling and shocking incidents at the Euro 2020 final, we ensured disabled sports fans experiences were at the forefront of considerations.
Level Playing Field is fortunate to have a talented and passionate team of staff. Every single member of our staff team has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and produced innovative ways to ensure that they achieve their objectives. I am grateful to them for the way in which they have adapted to flexible working and exceeded objectives. During the pandemic, the need for their support proved to be greater than ever and it is pleasing to see an increased demand for access audits and associated work. As a result, the trustees have decided to recruit a new member of staff to support the access and inclusion work and we hope to have an appointee in place early to mid-2022.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the support that we have received from the Premier League Fans Funds and the EFL, along with other donors who have enabled us to steer a prudent, but efficient path through a challenging time given the impact of the pandemic. Their support has enabled us to provide innovative and effective advice to so many and I am grateful for their continued support.
Finally, I want to place on record my personal thanks to fellow trustees, who work in an entirely voluntary capacity but always go above and beyond the call of duty. As chair, I have been fortunate to have their wise input and support with key areas of the charity and this has ensured that Level Playing Field has been able to continue operating as smoothly as possible during unprecedented and unpredictable times.
We know that there are many challenges ahead, but the trustees are committed to ensuring that accessibility and inclusion remains at the forefront, representing the views of all our stakeholders. Of course, the input of disabled supporters themselves can never be overstated and I am grateful for the support and contribution that has been made to our work from so many.
## **Tony Taylor**
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# About Level Playing Field
A n n u a l R e p o r t
Level Playing Field is a registered charity in England and Wales, which acts as a campaigning and advisory organisation to its membership and other parties across all sports. We have a team of dedicated staff with specialist knowledge, skills and experience around issues concerning access and inclusion.
Level Playing Field embraces ’the social model of disability’ and promotes the removal of barriers that might prevent a disabled spectator from attending or enjoying a live sports event. We want to ensure that disabled people enjoy an equality of experience as they attend live sport. Level Playing Field is driven to address the current inequality of experience for disabled fans attending live sport. Whether it's lack of choice, availability of tickets or a second-rate experience we use a proactive and constructive approach to tackle these and other issues.
## Our mission
## Our aims
Level Playing Field promotes a positive, inclusive experience for disabled sports fans
## Our vision
A world in which all disabled fans can freely access and enjoy live sporting events.
- Providing support and advocacy for disabled sports fans. Offering advice, access audits and training to sports clubs and governing bodies.
- Working with architects and design teams to ensure an inclusive and accessible physical environment at live sporting events.
- Building relationships and partnerships with sports clubs, DSAs, fans and sector organisations.
- Campaigning to keep the disability agenda top of mind for the government.
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Level Playing Field delivers its work through four key pillars:
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For the Fans
For the Clubs
Knowledge Centre
Campaigns
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Putting it simply, Level Playing Field campaigns and works towards improving the matchday experience for disabled fans by driving an equal matchday experience.
## Why we do what we do
It is estimated that 50% of disabled people don’t take part in recreational or physical activity.
The barriers to why a disabled fan chooses not to attend live sport can be addressed through training, raising awareness, and updating facilities and services. Last year, Level Playing Field received hundreds of enquiries and complaints and we aim to address these common recurring issues.
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## Level Playing Field are guided by the following principles:
- Anti-discrimination – so that disabled people do not face discrimination arising from poor or misinformed practice.
- Equality of opportunity or making things fairer – for disabled people in every aspect of their contact with sports clubs and venues.
- Increasing the independence and choices that disabled people have.
- Individual requirements / diversity – recognising that a disabled person is an individual who, like all others, has his or her own requirements, abilities, human rights and responsibilities.
- Integration/inclusion – such that services are made accessible to disabled people and offer choice.
- Involvement in decision-making – so that disabled people, and/or their advocates, are consulted before decisions that affect them are made.
- The social model of disability explains that it is social and physical ‘barriers’ that cause ‘disability’ not impairments.
Level Playing Field is working to remove the barriers that currently exclude disabled people. These barriers can be prejudice and stereotypes, the way things are organised and run, along with little to no access to information, buildings and transport.
Annual Report
For the Fans
## Fan-led review
## Announcement
On April 19 the UK Government announced the launch of the 'fan-led review' that examined the ways fans are treated by clubs and wider issues of ownership and governance.
The review was chaired by Tracey Crouch MP, who was Sports Minister from 2015-17, and was a guest on the Level Playing Field podcast. The terms of reference for the ‘fan-led review’ were released and it stated that:
‘The independent review will aim to explore ways of improving the governance, ownership and financial sustainability of clubs in English football, building on the strengths of the football pyramid. The review will add to the recommendations of the English Football League’s governance review and the government’s 2016 expert working group on football supporter ownership and engagement. The review will be expected to engage extensively with fans to ensure any recommendations are led by fans’ experience and interests.’
Level Playing Field fully supported the ‘fan-led review’ and found it to be an opportunity for real change. As the largest minority group in the UK, we insisted that disabled supporters’ voices are heard.
We reached out to Tracey and the DCMS to offer our support.
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## Request to fans
Level Playing Field invited supporters who wished to raise any views that would feed into the government’s football review to get in touch, as the organisation would be submitting evidence on behalf of disabled fans.
We wanted to ensure we were providing the real-life match day views of disabled fans to the government and panel members involved in the review.
## Evidence session
In June, Level Playing Field and several fans provided verbal evidence to a panel led by Tracey Crouch MP.
The session provided a brief opportunity to outline key issues and experience where football governance needed to be improved to account for disabled fans and other matters relating to disability.
In the time permitted, the key areas raised were focused on the representation of disabled people at the board level, regulatory obligations and bodies and fan voice/consultation.
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Key points Level Playing Field have raised and urged the review to include:
## Board representation of disabled people/fans at executive and non-executive level
- Allows for disability matters to have a suitable and non-tokenistic platform that can be weaved into the overarching governance at a club and governing body level.
- Implementing a ‘comply or explain’ style agreement with clubs to ensure it’s prioritised.
A case of prioritising it, and it will get done.
## Regulatory obligations and bodies
- Level Playing Field believes that the most significant catalyst to change for disabled football fans in recent time has been the Premier League pledge. It highlights a case of what gets measured gets done.
- Having both a set of clear, measurable minimum accessible standards along with a regulator/regulatory system would deliver greater access and inclusion and, more so, a fundamental human right.
- Outlines clear standards which take into account disability inclusion and other matters.
## Fan voice/consultation
- Having a formal process recognised and reviewed by the board is essential for delivering representative governance.
- Having board involvement with disabled fan engagement further demonstrates a commitment to matters relating to disability and can be included in the governance framework.
- Structured dialogue needs to be an ongoing process, inclusive and varied (meetings, at matchdays, surveys and other formats)
- Disabled fan engagement needs to be standalone from non-disabled fan engagement and not bolted on.
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## Interim findings
Level Playing Field welcomed the ‘Fan Led Review of Football Governance’ interim findings, particularly the proposal of an independent regulator. However, we expressed our concern at the lack of detail and information regarding how the recommendations will produce the necessary benefit for disabled fans.
We urged the review panel to work with Level Playing Field and disabled fans to ensure that it wouldn't be an opportunity lost for the millions of disabled football fans who have a right to good governance.
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# Level Playing Field statement
# **Thursday 25 November 2021**
Level Playing Field acknowledges the release of the independent fan-led review of football governance, conducted by Tracey Crouch MP, which we believe to be a significant piece of work for which we congratulate all those involved.
We are encouraged by this examination of the English football system and agree with the need for greater fan engagement and involvement in the game and in particular the role of an independent regulator. We are extremely disappointed, but sadly not surprised, at the lack of reference to disabled fans and the importance of disabled supporters’ voices in the governance of our national sport.
Despite the review being 162 pages of observations and recommendations, actions regarding disability are disappointingly thin.
Disabled people are the largest minority group in the UK (14 million people) but are often an afterthought or low priority in the world of football (and sport in general); we fear that this has proven to be the case once again regarding this review.
We welcome the review’s recommendation for an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion action plan. It is important that these plans are not simply broad sweeping statements but offer specific measurable actions that enhance experience and inclusion with all fans’ voices at the heart of it.
At the very least, we would want plans to include:
A set of minimum measurable accessibility standards across football clubs Board representation for disabled fans/people Regular and meaningful structured dialogue with disabled fans
Disabled fans’ voices are imperative in delivering representative governance and understanding the ‘whole picture’ of the experience of a disabled fan. Having a structured communication process and ongoing fan feedback is essential for shaping effective governance and delivering appropriate inclusion.
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## Neurodiverse Sports Fans Research Project Launch
## Research project with SGSA
Level Playing Field was pleased to announce a national research project in partnership with the Sports Ground Safety Authority into the experiences of neurodiverse sports fans when attending live sports events.
The research project ran from January 2021, and was managed by Britain’s largest independent social research agency, NatCen.
We recruited people who have autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or dyscalculia, Tourette’s syndrome, or other neurodevelopmental conditions and who are sports fans.
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It does not matter whether fans attended live sports events regularly, or at all, as we were also interested in understanding why fans may not attend.
As sports clubs in the UK strive to become more accessible for disabled fans, it is important to bear in mind that less than 8% of disabled people are wheelchair users.
Most disabled people have non-visible disabilities, and it is thought that up to 30% of the population may have neurodiverse conditions, with many undiagnosed. These conditions include, but are not limited to, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Tourette’s syndrome.
The huge spectrum of each of these conditions means it is almost impossible to anticipate and cater for every individual’s needs. This makes the position for stadium managers – with an anticipatory duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people under the Equality Act 2010 – very difficult.
As part of the Accessible Stadia Guide re-write it became very clear early on that there is a shortage of research and guidance available on this topic. We wanted to include some advice and recommendations for fans with neurodiverse conditions into the new edition and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) offered to fund a research project for us carried out by Britain’s largest social research agency, NatCen.
Martyn Henderson, Chief Executive of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, said: “We are pleased to fund this important primary research as part of our ongoing commitment to improve evidence in relation to spectator safety.
"Ensuring that sports grounds are safe and accessible for people with neurodiverse conditions is important to SGSA and we look forward to the outcomes of the research and future collaboration with Level Playing Field.”
The key aim of this report was to recognise and highlight the access requirements of neurodiverse sports fans and how these related to questions about maintaining a safe environment within stadia and grounds.
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## Feedback from participants revealed the following areas needed improving:
## Booking tickets
Participants wanted an easier process of booking, with a single accessibility scheme that recognised individual requirements operating across sports. This would reduce the need to repeatedly explain or justify their access requirements.
## Information provision ahead of the day
Being able to plan improved confidence. Participants wanted more information available in advance of events, covering; what to expect in terms of arrival and transport; security checks and what could be brought into the venue; seating layout; and who they could speak to for help.
## Staff
Negative encounters were reported arising from a lack of understanding from staff. They felt staff, particularly stewards, should receive training to be more aware of, better understand and support neurodiverse fans. Where participants received support from disability access or liaison officers, this was generally a positive experience. “Knowledge is key, the training of stewards is the way forward as they are on the grounds with the fans” - carer of child with ADHD and Tourette’s, who attends live sport.
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## Venue design
Negative experiences where venues had narrow concourses and gangways or closely packed seating were reported. Being able to pick appropriate seating improved this. Fans often relied on support from other people to find their way around venues but suggested new stadia should be built with wider, more spacious concourses, gangways, and seating. Signage could also be improved using pictures, colours, and larger text.
## Facilities
Participants were supportive of the provision of sensory rooms for neurodiverse children and for those with more complex needs, but noted that there were various limitations to these. They advocated having more quiet spaces closer to seating areas that could be accessed without prior booking and be used as a space to moderate anxiety or stress.
## Safety
Many of the factors that improved participants’ overall experience also made them feel safer while attending live events. These included accessible/open seating and accessible venue design, support from family or friends, and a strong presence of trustworthy staff who understood the requirements of the range of fans.
## Venue Arrival
Being physically close to other people can be overstimulating and lead to a rise in anxiety. Participants wanted greater availability of accessible parking or more drop off locations nearer the venues. They also felt there should be more accessible entrances with consistent staffing who understand neurodiverse spectators.
## Engagement from clubs/venues
Finally, participants wanted greater engagement from clubs and venues with their neurodiverse fans, through a ‘neurodiversity champion’ to understand the requirements among the supporter base. Participants also felt that clubs/venues could do more to raise awareness with other spectators.
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## Podcast
## The Level Playing Field podcast
During 2020 Level Playing Field released its own podcast, the first of its kind to focus solely on disabled sports fans.
The podcast grew successfully throughout 2021, and below are some of our most popular episodes:
## Episode 3 - Stigma
We turned our attention to the stigma attached to disabled sports fans attending live events as well as the stigma surrounding disability in general.
Our guests included Disability Development Manager at the Albion Foundation (Paul Glover), Strategic Accessibility Lead at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (Marc Powell), Chairperson of Arsenal Disabled Supporters Association (Anne Hyde), and Disability Access Officer at Level Playing Field (Nicky Baker).
## Episode 5 - Views of non-disabled fans
In this episode, we explore the viewpoint of non-disabled supporters, how nondisabled supporters’ trusts can support better access and inclusion for disabled fans, and how disability is viewed by clubs and non-disabled supporters.
Our guests for this podcast are Nottingham Forest Supporters Trust board members (Lindsay Knott and Paul Severn), as well as a Fan Engagement Consultant (Kevin Rye).
## Episode 8 - Disability abuse
This episode we focus on the very real, challenging and personal subject matter of disability abuse.
Our guests on this month’s episode include the Baroness Tanni Gray-Thompson, two Swansea City supporters (Diane and Callum), and West Midlands Police Force Football Unit officers (PC Stewart Bladen and PC Stuart Ward).
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## Fan insights
## 365 days absent from the Amex
As part of Weeks Of Action 2020, our Fans Liaison Officer spoke to lifelong Brighton supporter, Ed Osborne, about the 12 months away from the football during the pandemic: “I miss watching the game… football is my life," Ed explained
Ed has Tourette’s Syndrome, a condition that can cause a person to make involuntary sounds and movements. He also has a rare genetic condition called ‘Joubert Syndrome’, which affects his balance and coordination, and also means that he has a profound speech impairment and some learning difficulties. He uses sign language to communicate, although he is not deaf.
He’s no ‘fair weather fan’ and has been attending live football since he was a child. Seeing the pleasure Ed enjoyed from watching Brighton even got his dad, Andrew, into football and supporting the club.
The frustrating feeling of being away from the stadium is a familiar one amongst many supporters across the country. The sense of ‘belonging’ is one that’s missed the most by disabled supporters. Just like every football fan, Ed is craved a sense of normality.
One of the most important parts of Ed’s life is his connection with the local community, being part of Brighton’s fanbase enhances that. Football gives Ed a common link with people, he is one of the crowd and no different to anyone else.
It’s important to feel accepted for who he is.
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## ‘It means everything to Georgia to be part of the Leicester City family’
Foxes fan David shared his daughter's story as part of our Weeks of Action campaign.
Georgia, 10, is a huge Leicester fan who has been watching the Foxes at the King Power Stadium since the age of two.
David has commended the club for the work they have done to accommodate Georgia and make her matchday experience as enjoyable as it could possibly be.
Georgia has Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development and causes severe physical disability from early childhood. She is unable to walk or talk, but this doesn’t stop her from following her beloved club, thanks to the accessibility improvements made.
David said: “I honestly don’t know where to start. The staff at Leicester City have been first class with us as a family, especially the Supporter Relations and Accessibility Manager.
“They’ve been so accommodating of Georgia’s needs and have been really welcoming to us. Jim is brilliant and is just a lovely fella. He’s always there for us, even if we’ve got a little gripe, and will do his best to help us out.
“I couldn’t ask more from the Club. We’re so proud to be associated with LCFC and I know it means the world to Georgia.”
It’s clear to David that Georgia is at her happiest when watching her beloved Leicester.
"Every time we drive up to King Power Stadium, Georgia always has a smile on her face. She loves the atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of the people around her.
“Her whole face just lights up, no matter what mood she’s in, and it’s just a really nice feeling for me and my wife as her parents."
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## Launch of Wycombe Wanderers Disabled Supporter's Association
Disabled Wycombe Wanderers supporters were invited to an event at Adams Park to officially launch the club's new Disabled Supporter's Association.
Disabled fans were invited to take part in a tour around the stadium and meet the co-founders of the Association – Trust Director Peter Lerner and Safety Officer Stephen Copp – to learn more about the associations aims for improving facilities and services for disabled supporters on matchdays.
Peter said: “Having received a fantastic response to the news that Wycombe Wanderers – both the club and Trust – were launching an association for our disabled supporters, it was great to get together in person and kick off the process towards making Adams Park a more enjoyable and accessible place for everyone to come to.
“We look forward to holding more events in future and welcome more members to be part of the continued development of the Association.”
Annual Report
For the Clubs
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## Tottenham’s skywalk wheelchair accessible
As part of the club’s wider work to deliver fully inclusive facilities at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Spurs have announced their ‘The Dare Skywalk’ is now accessible to all, including wheelchair users.
The feature is a new activity fans can enjoy which takes them to the summit of their new stadium in north London in a 90-minute adrenaline-filled experience.
Kris Aves became the first wheelchair user to take on the climb earlier this week: “The Dare Skywalk wheelchair climb was an amazing experience. The climb guides were brilliant and were on hand to share interesting facts and history about the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Being the first member of the public to take on The Dare Skywalk wheelchair climb was a great feeling – it’s a day I won’t forget!”
Wheelchair accessible climbs on the Dare Skywalk form part of the club’s wider work to deliver fully inclusive facilities, with wheelchair users using a padded wheelchair to experience the Spurs stadium from heights of up to 48.8 metres!
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## Euro 2020 final
Level Playing Field responded to the deeply concerning scenes that took place outside of Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 final (in 2021) between England and Italy.
In a match which saw truly abhorrent behaviour towards players there were major issues towards the safety of disabled supports attending.
The issues at the final could have been catastrophic for all fans but particularly disabled supporters caught in the violence or injured as a result of reported breaches at the accessible entrance and wheelchair user viewing areas.
We knew from the feedback we have received already that this left some disabled supporters feeling extremely uneasy about attending live sporting events.
Level Playing Field sought assurances from Wembley Stadium and the Metropolitan Police that a thorough and detailed investigation would be undertaken, including the impact on disabled fans.
Level Playing Field continued to make itself available to work with all stakeholders to ensure watching live sport is safe and accessible for all.
Disabled fans have the right to feel safe to watch football – any fan that would knowingly endanger the safety of other supporters is not a true football fan.
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## Wembley review
Level Playing Field welcomed the independent review that Wembley commissioned after the events that took place ahead of the Euro 2020 final in July.
The magnitude of the event was inevitably going to put additional strain on safety and security at the final. Despite this, the measures in place clearly failed. People stormed the stadium through accessible entrances and disabled fans experienced further issues with overcrowding of wheelchair user viewing areas.
Level Playing Field spoke to fans who attended the final, and they made their views clear. It was a frightening experience that has put people off attending in the future.
We also heard from a wheelchair user who was ‘hijacked’ by someone impersonating a steward, attempting to gain entry.
We demanded that this review should go into fine detail about the targeted abuse of accessible entrances, stewarding processes and procedures and the lasting impact on disabled fans.
This could not be the lasting legacy of Euro 2020, and we urged Baroness Casey of Blackstock to adopt a more holistic, coordinated review.
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## Response to the report
The charity released a statement regarding the UEFA sanctions implemented on the English FA for a "lack of order and discipline" in and around the national stadium during the Euro 2020 final.
Level Playing Field statement on the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium
## **Tuesday 19 October 2021**
What happened on the 11 July 2021 must never happen again.
There is no place in our game for the terrible scenes that disabled fans witnessed and experienced that day. The so-called “fans” involved should be held accountable and apologies should be forthcoming from both the FA and The Metropolitan Police to disabled supporters who were directly impacted.
Sanction alone is not enough. It is only by good fortune that we are not discussing a more tragic turn of events and outcome on the day.
Looking ahead, the FA – and football as a whole – needs to learn from what happened and adopt suitable measures to ensure there is no repetition.
Level Playing Field is pleased that the independent review led by Baroness Casey is underway and has already submitted evidence to that process. We hope that the findings from the review will deliver recommendations that will ensure the chaos at the Euro 2020 final will never happen again and that the safety of disabled supporters and, indeed, all supporters remains of paramount importance.
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Annual Report
Campaigns
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## Weeks of Action
With the coronavirus pandemic causing sport to come to a standstill in March 2020, including the postponement of last year’s Weeks of Action, the 2021 campaign was in doubt. After a period of planning and consideration, Level Playing Field had little option but to make this year’s campaign a virtual one, for the first time ever.
Over 100 clubs supported the campaign, which included clubs from the Premier League, the EFL, National League, non-league, the Women’s Super League and Championship, as well as contributions from the Welsh Cymru leagues.
Clubs published content across websites and social media platforms, expressing their support for the campaign by engaging with disabled fans during what has been an especially difficult year.
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## Media day
## **Featuring Stephen Miller MBE**
Ahead of the 2021 Weeks of Action campaign, Level Playing Field hosted a media day for local and national press, club media staff and other interested parties, to find out more about Level Playing Field and the Weeks of Action campaign.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the meeting took place via Zoom and lasted a little less than an hour. The session was hosted by Level Playing Field Chief Executive Owain Davies, and featured the charity's Chair Tony Taylor, and ambassador Stephen Miller MBE.
The aim of the meeting was not only to inform those unaware of Level Playing Field's work, but to also highlight the importance of live sport for disabled sports fans, especially almost a year of the pandemic began.
Before the previous campaign (2020), Level Playing Field staff travelled to Hotel Football in Manchester - located directly adjacent to Manchester United's Old Trafford - to film a round table discussion with fans and club staff from around the country. This short film was broadcast during the meeting to highlight the work being done throughout England and Wales, to help enhance the matchday experience for disabled fans.
This was the first time Level Playing Field hosted a media day, and will continue to do so ahead of future campaigns.
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## Digital campaign
On the eve of the campaign, Wembley stadium kicked things off by lighting up the world-famous arch in the green of Level Playing Field’s logo. The large digital display screens at the front of the stadium also shone out across the London skyline, boldly announcing the imminent start to the Weeks of Action and displaying the important message of the campaign: Access For All.
The Principality Stadium, the proud home of Welsh rugby, also got behind the Weeks of Action on Friday as they lit up their giant display screen to announce that start of the campaign.
Level Playing Field is the leading disability access charity for sports fans across England and Wales, so it’s fitting that the most high-profile stadiums from both nations have demonstrated their support for the campaign.
Lord's - the home of Cricket - also got involved in recognising the campaign, displaying the charity's logo on their brand new screen.
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## Campaign highlights
## Fleetwood Town's Virtual Mascot
Fleetwood Town centred their Weeks of Action celebrations around their virtual mascot for the day, Tyler Kenyon.
Before being led out on to the pitch virtually by goalkeeper Alex Caines, he got the chance to chat to former Stoke City and Republic of Ireland international, and current Fleetwood Town number six, Glen Whelan, accompanied by manager Simon Grayson.
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## Manchester City's Audio Description Commentary
The City team decided to use their designated fixture to shine a light on a vital accessible feature at the Etihad stadium – audio descriptive commentary. The club has been offering the service to visually impaired fans for over 20 years, and with the stadium being empty for the majority of 2020, it has become a more critical service than ever.
City confirmed their ADC services will be available for both home and away fans and, moving forward, will also be available for women first-team home matches.
## Leeds United captain spends time with disabled supporters
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper joined an exclusive virtual call with some of the supporters from Leeds United Disabled Organisation (LUDO), as part of the club’s activities to support the campaign.
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## Tottenham Hotspur's Disability Access Officer Interview
Simon Blewett, Disability Access Officer at Spurs, sat down with Level Playing Field during Weeks of Action to discuss his role at the club...
He spoke about his passion for disability access, the club's Weeks of Action plans, and how the club kept in touch with fans during the pandemic.
## _**It was always clear to me that disability access could and should be better, and that’s my goal.**_
The full interview is available, but here's a little snippet below.
## **What’s your passion for being a Disability Access Officer?**
My mum was a wheelchair user, unfortunately she passed away in 1992 and something that I still find astonishing is that at no point in her life were her rights as a disabled person protected by law, it was always just clear to me that things could and should be better and that’s my goal really.
## **What activities do you have planned for this year’s Weeks of Action?**
The campaign will be covered on our LED screens around the stadium and in the matchday programme. We have player engagements with both the men’s and women’s teams, and content that highlights the facilities here, the work of the foundation and some really exciting developments with our tours and attractions.
## **How have you been keeping in touch with disabled fans during the pandemic?**
The club have tried to maintain contact with as many people as possible, via welfare calls, through SpursAbility and through club ambassadors. For me, it was great to make some calls, check in with people and hear their Spurs stories and their hopes for a return.
Annual Report
Knowledge Centre
A n n u a l R e p o r t
Our knowledge centre pillar of work has been important in 2021 to gather real life experiences to bring about change. Throughout the year we have had over 1500 fans take part in Level Playing Field surveys.
## TV streaming survey
With stadiums being closed throughout the country during the Covid pandemic, tv streaming services became the essential way for sports fans to follow their team’s live action. As a disability access and inclusion charity, Level Playing Field wanted to investigate whether these services were fully accessible for disabled supporters, so we conducted an online ‘Streaming Services Survey’ to find out.
The survey ran from 13 November to 18 December 2020, giving an opportunity for disabled fans to share their experience of using various streaming services since the start of the pandemic. There were 238 respondents, and the comments and scores from the survey were been shared with the streaming service providers featured.
As a charity, we know that many barriers disabled people face can be removed through effective dialogue and good practice. Our hope is that by communicating the results and comments from this survey, streaming service providers will be better informed and improvements to accessibility on their respective platforms can be made.
A n n u a l R e p o r t
Key findings included:
## Required additional support
8% of respondents said they require some additional support to watch live sport via a streaming service.
## Less likely to return
8% of those surveyed said that they are less likely to return to watching live sport in stadiums when they reopen, after having watched live sport on TV during the pandemic.
## Ratings
We asked supporters to rate the different streaming services on accessibility for their disability. The scores ranged from 3.4 to 4.2 out of five.
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## Annual fan survey
Level Playing Field’s record breaking annual fan survey report revealed the most in-depth results in the charity’s 22-year history.
In its inaugural year the focus of the Level Playing Field Annual Survey was to receive greater feedback year on year, helping to drive change towards better access and inclusion for disabled sports fans.
Level Playing Field has carried out a number of specific surveys in the past, but this was the most comprehensive survey ever, reviewing the matchday experience of disabled fans.
The survey is a first of its kind, with a strong focus on club-specific feedback that will help clubs target specific areas to improve their facilities and services. Thanks to support from clubs, leagues and partners who helped to publicise the survey, Level Playing Field received a total of 1408 responses.
Level Playing Field Chair Tony Taylor said: “This first Level Playing Field annual fan survey provides a great insight into the experiences of disabled supporters as they attend live sport.
“We are grateful to the 1408 fans who took the time to share their experiences with us. It is our hope and expectation that their responses will serve to bring about improvements to services and facilities as clubs see their feedback and comments.
“With 73% of disabled fans eager to return to live sport ‘right away’ following various restrictions on attending, clubs need to ensure that they are ready, and this report can help with that preparation.
“There is clearly much that still needs to be done to ensure that disabled fans have an equal matchday experience to non-disabled fans. The fact that 30% of respondents said there was a sport or sports venue they felt unable to attend, due to poor access, highlights this inequality. Level Playing Field will continue to promote full access and inclusion for disabled fans and we expect that will be reflected in the results of our future fan surveys.”
P a g e 4 0
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## Key findings included:
## Poor access
30% of respondents stated that there were sports or sporting venues that they felt unable to attend due to poor access for disabled supporters
## Anxiety and confidence
25% of respondents said that ‘anxiety or lack of confidence’ was a barrier when attending live sport
## Returning
Following lengthy restrictions on attending live sport due to the pandemic, 73% of the supporters surveyed said they would want to attend a match ‘right away’ once permitted
## Covid measures
The top three Covid measures that fans wanted in place when returning were:
- Hand sanitising stations
- Hand washing facilities
- Mask wearing (bar exemptions)
Annual Report
Partnerships
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## The Wheelchair Football Association
## **Official partner**
Level Playing Field announced the launch of a new partnership between The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) in March, the national governing body of wheelchair football in the UK.
The announcement was made official on social media as part of Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action campaign. The announcement included a video featuring Level Playing Field’s Nicky Baker and the WFA’s Adam McEvoy.
Both organisations exist to improve access to sport for disabled people. The focus for the WFA is to promote and develop their sport so that more disabled people are able to actively participate in playing wheelchair football. Level Playing Field exists to promote and facilitate improved access to stadiums, so that more disabled sports fans are able to watch their favourite team play live. Whether watching or playing, both organisations are passionate about seeing disabled people become more included in society.
Having worked together on a couple of projects in the past, the two organisations decided that an official partnership would be the best way to work more closely together in future and also help to highlight the good work that each other are involved in.
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## The Racecourse Association
The Racecourse Association (RCA) commissioned pan-disability access audits across British Racecourses to identify areas where the race day experience can be enhanced to support disabled racegoers.
Racecourses that have opted into the project will receive an audit of the race day experience in its current form plus a detailed site audit to identify areas that can be developed to support racegoer accessibility. Following these audits, the RCA will work closely with racecourses to implement the findings whilst disseminating best practices from other relevant sectors to maintain British racing’s commitment as a sport for all.
The project has been funded with a grant from the Racing Foundation plus contributions from the participating racecourses, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing accessibility.
Following a detailed tender process, the RCA have selected Level Playing Field and LiveTourism to conduct the audits. LiveTourism, an existing partner of the RCA with the Quality Assured Racecourse Scheme, provide a sector-leading service in assisting sports with race day experience programmes. Level Playing Field assessors working on this project are NRAC-accredited and offer an authentic view of the race day experience with their own experience of disability. Assessments will commence shortly and will run over three years.
Annual Report
Covid-19
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## Response to Clinically Extremely Vulnerable fans’ excluded from live sport
Having seen the announcement that the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible in Sheffield refused entry to Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) fans, Level Playing Field expressed concerns that this act would set a potentially discriminatory precedent.
According to the UK government, all people who are CEV or with underlying health conditions have been urged to be vaccinated and yet the World Snooker Championship seemingly placed a blanket ban on their participation in attending this event. As an organisation we viewed this as an attack on freedom of choice and human rights.
The information provided to the UK press, including the BBC and Sky Sports, as well as ticket information on the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) website, offered no rationale for why this measure was confirmed to exclude CEV fans while also offering no information on who they deemed as CEV.
Last year the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) issued their Supplementary Guidance 'Planning for Social Distancing at Sports Grounds' (SG: 02), making it clear that attending the event as a fan was a personal decision.
Level Playing Field drove throughout the pandemic that when sport did start to re-open, it re-opens for all, and the choice to attend is for the individual.
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## Level Playing Field lobbied to overturn blanket ban on clinically extremely vulnerable fans
## **Carabao Cup Final 2021**
Level Playing Field was made aware of the enforced measures being imposed by Wembley stadium for the 2021 Carabao Cup Final between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
In the guidance issued, all fans were required to wear face coverings, and those who are exempt were required to provide evidence from a ‘GP or suitable medical practitioner’.
Level Playing Field believed this is discriminatory and against government guidance which states, “you do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about your reason for not wearing a face covering.”
Individuals who are exempt from wearing face coverings are not required by law to carry an exemption card or badge. This is deemed to be a personal choice.
Level Playing Field expressed disappointment that disabled fans and clinically extremely vulnerable fans are not having a fair and equal experience despite clear guidance which has been in place throughout this pandemic.
We strongly urged Wembley Stadium to abide by the government guidance, which did not unnecessarily discriminate against disabled fans.
## **Events Research Programme Guidance U-turn**
Level Playing Field was pleased to see that after weeks of lobbying, the government had taken the correct steps in reviewing its Events Research Programme’s approach to Clinically Extremely Vulnerable individuals attending pilot events.
The policy change would no longer exclude CEV people from attending government test events and will empower CEV fans to make their own decisions and risk assessments, which they have done both throughout this pandemic.
This decision was the correct one and the exclusion should never have been in place, having the right to choose how you live your life is a fundamental human right. The original government guidance had the potential to set live sport on a dangerous path of exclusion and discrimination.
P a g e 4 7
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## Return of fans
After a year and a half, Level Playing Field was pleased to hear that sport was on track to have all stadiums back to full capacity in England for the 2021/22 season.
In August, when clubs planned to re-open their turnstiles to fans in England, Level Playing Field urged that they must be open to all fans.
During July Level Playing Field came together with ‘Audience Access Alliance’ to raise awareness of an accessible reopening when restrictions would be lifted. This is something we continued to push.
Level Playing Field created guides to support clubs with their re-opening plans ahead of the new season.
We also urged clubs to share information ahead of the season and have a consultation with their Disabled Supporter's Associations and fans to ensure no one is excluded because of a disability.
Annual Report
Level Playing Field
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## A year in review
As we approached the new year, we took a look back at the last 12 months, including some of the best fan stories Level Playing Field covered in 2021 with the release of Level Playing Field's year in review.
## Click here to access the review.
From research projects to new partnerships, 2021 was not only a challenging period, but also a busy and successful one for the charity.
We have seen the return of fans after a season-and-a-half of watching football behind closed doors, we managed to showcase our biggest Weeks of Action campaign to date despite the suspension of fans in stadiums, and we announced new partnership agreements that will go well into the future as we look to continuously improve access and inclusion for disabled fans across all sports.
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## Staff
## Owain Davies
Chief Executive
## Ruth Hopkins
General Manager & Head of Access and Development - NRAC Auditor
## Nicky Baker
Access and Development Officer - NRAC Auditor
## Daniel Townley
Development Officer
## Liam Bird
Fans Liaison Officer
## Ben Southby
Media and Communications Officer
P a g e 5 1
A n n u a l R e p o r t
## Trustees
Tony Taylor Chair Steve Evans Secretary
Joanna Deagle Trustee
Jo McNicol
Trustee
## Rex Burton
Trustee
Jamie Beddard
Trustee
P a g e 5 2
## A word from the Chief Executive
Over the past year, fans have been returning to stadia. We have witnessed the excitement of being back together and the trepidation associated with this. We have worked hard to ensure that disabled sports fans eager to return can do so by creating guides and forums and working with clubs to be accessible from the earliest point of re-opening.
The Weeks of Action campaign this year was like nothing we had done before. It was completely virtual at a time where there were no fans at the grounds, and I am pleased to say that it was the most successful in terms of social media impressions, with a 27% increase over the previous year. We saw players have video chats with their disabled fans, along with fans being virtual mascots and heading out on the pitch with the players via a selfie stick and Facetime. It is commendable that the appetite to adapt and to be there for each other has often prevailed during tough times and that was particularly evident during these Weeks of Action.
As a part of our strategy, we have further invested and prioritised in developing our research. Our annual fans survey had over 1400 respondents (the largest to date), and the findings will help tackle key areas whilst showcasing what's being done well. 25% of respondents said that “anxiety or lack of confidence was a barrier when attending live sport”.
Our fan engagement continues to grow and develop with 'The Level Playing Field Podcast' now having monthly episodes and focusing on topics such as Matchday Travel, Disability Abuse, Return of Fans and more. The podcast has over 140 regular monthly listeners, something we are keen to grow.
Level Playing Field’s achievements in the past 12 months would not have been possible without our brilliant staff. Often going above and beyond working with Disabled Supporters Associations, fans, clubs and partners who support our work to raise awareness of access and inclusion.
We are very grateful to the Premier League Fans Fund and the EFL for their continued support.
**Owain Davies**
P a g e 5 3
**Level Playing Field The Junction Station Road Watford WD17 1ET**
**01923 545 370 info@levelplayingfield.org.uk levelplayingfield.org.uk**
**@lpftweets @levelplayingfielduk /lpftweets**
evel
Playing
Company Number.. 11109719
Charity Number: 1177415
Foy disabled s
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
DIRECTORS. REPORT AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ST
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
INDEX
PAGES
CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCL DIRECTORS, REPORT) 2- 5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS, REPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
BALANCE SHEET
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMÈNTS
9-16
Page 1
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
CHARITY NUMBER..
1177415
COMPANY NUMBER,.
11109719
TRUSTEESIDIRECTORS.,
A Taylor (Chalrl
S Evans
J McNicol
R Burton lunlil 5 January 20221
J Deagle
J Beddard
COMPANY SECRETAR Y..
S Evans
REGISTERED OFFICE:
Greville House
10 Jury Street
wal¢k
wa1¢kshIre
CV34 4EW
PRINCIPAL ADDRESS..
The Junction
Staion Road
Walford
WD17 1ET
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER..
Mark Harwood FCA FMAAT
Mich381 Hsrwood & Co
Greville House
10 Jury Street
Warwick
Warwickshire
CV34 4EW
Page 2
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT (INCL DIRECTORS, REPORT}
The Trustees present thèir report and the financ1 slalemenls ol the char¢ty lor the year ènded
31st Dember 2021. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Slalemenl of
Recommended Practice ISORPI"Accounling and Reporting by Charities" in preparing the annual
report and finanGial statements of the ¢harily.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
Level Playing Field. a Charitable Company lirnited by guarantee (Company no. 11109719 and
Charity no. 11774151, was incorporated on the 13th Dècember 2017 and is governed by
Memorandum and Articles of AssoGialion. The directors of the charitable ¢ompany (who are ils
trustees lor the purposès ol charity law) havè no interest in the company's assets or surplus and
receive no remuneration.
The Trustees meet at least once a quarter anfj are a¢lively involved in the strategic direction of
the ¢harily. Level Playing Field uses t(Jlh in-housè and è*(ernal sources for appointing trLJslees
in order lo operate in line with best pra¢lice. Level Playing Field is an inclusive employer and
recruiter. The Charity a¢lively promotes the positive impact ol having a diverse worklorGe and
Iruslee board. This commitment allows Level Playing Field lo represent thè community il serves.
Level Playing Field has signed up lo the Disability Confident Scheme.
A business conlinualion policy is in placè which clèarly reviews risks and provides a plan lo react
lo changing circumstan$ should they (Cr. The plan covers finan¢ial, operational and strategic
areas arKJ is supported by a detailed ¥isk assessment.
The charity works on a collatx)ralive basis with a numbei ol olhei Gharilies. including the
VVheel¢hair Football Assoualion which in 2021 a partnership agreement was signed. The charity
also works closely wilh the Centre for Access to Foolball in Europe, bul has no f(xmal
agreemerbls or links in silu.
OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
L&vel Playing Field believes that disability is a social issue and that an individual only becomes
disabled as a result of the so¢ial, alliludinal and env¢ronmenlal barrrts that the individual fa¢es
(this is known as the so¢ial model of disability).
The charity is focussed on removlng these barriers in all SkX)rts. Level Playlng Field and ils
members are ¢ommilled lo achieving an environment where..
all fans can enjoy an equal expertence at live sports events
all sladia and sports venues are fulty accessible and inclusive
all Guslomer andlor fan services are equal and inclusive
disabled people are seen as Customers with a Gommer¢ial value
We are guided by the following principles..
Anti-discriminalion- $0 that disabled people do not lace discrimination arising from poor
01 misinformed praGtice
Equality Df opportunity and fairness- for disabled people in every aspect of their contact
with sports ¢lubs and venues
Increasing the independenGe and Ghoi¢es offered lo disabled people
Individual requirements
recogni5ing that a disabled person is an individual who, in a
diversè society, has his or her own reqviremenls, abilities, human rights and
responsibilities
Inlegralionlinclusion
offer ¢hoice
such that SerS are made accessible lo dtsabled Peop and
Page 3
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
DIRECTORS, REPORT (Continued)
Involvement in decision-making
so that disabled peoplè, andlor their advocates, are
Consulted before decisions which affeGI them are made
Acknowledgmeril of the social wnodel ol disability which explains that il is social and
physical barriers th8t cause 'dis2bility' not impairments.
Level Playing Field &s working lo remove the barriers that currently exclude disabled people.
These barriers Include..
Prejudice and slefftolypes
The way things are organised and run
Lack oflinadequate aGGess lo information, building5 and transport
The di[1015 have had due iegard lo the guidarKe published by The Charity Comrnissioners on
public benefit in managing the activities of the charity.
The main activleS of the charity during the year are as follows la more detailed surnmary of the
harily's aGtivilies Gan be found in the Annual Reporti..
Fan Engagement
In 2021 Level Playing Field Gonlinued lo evolve ils work lin line with its charitable objectives) with
the rèl8xalion of reslriclions 8nd lo support the current climate. A balan of dealing with key
Covid-19 related issues and 'Business as usual, was a key priority.
Regional forums continued to be hosted virtually with specifK attention on the return of
fans lo stadia and how reslriGlions would impact access and inclusion
The Level Playlng Field podGast increased ils frequency from quarterly lo mnlhly lo
also include high profile guest such as Tanrii Grey-Thompson
Disabled Supporters Association were established al Glubs for the first Ilme.
Fan Inslghts were shared as news articles lo iaise awareness of the irnpact ol not
211ending sport in person.
Covld-19- Event Research Programme
Having seen the announcement that the World Snook8r Championship al the Crucible in Sheffield
and other lesl events refused entry lo CliniGally Exliemely Vulneiable ICEV) lans, Level Playing
Field expressed concerns that this act would sel a potentially discriminatory precedent.
According to the UK government, all people who are CEV or with underlying health conditions
have been urged lo be vaGcinated and yel the Snookei Championship seemingly placed
bl8nket ban on thèir participation in attending this event. As an organisation we viewed this as an
allack on freedom of choice and human lights.
Level Playing Field was pleased to see that after weeks of lobbying, the govemmenl had taken
the correct steps in reviewing its Events Research Programme's 2ppro8ch lo Clinically Extremely
Vulnerable individuals allending pilot evenls.
The policy change would no longei exclude CEV people from allending government lest events
and will empower CEV fans lo make their own decisions and risk ass8ssn*nls. which they have
done both throughout this pandernic.
Euro 2020 Final
Level Playing Field responded to the deepty concerning scenes Ihal took pla oulslde of
Wembley Stadium ahead of the Euro 2020 final lin 20211 betweèn England and 11a.
Page 4
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
DIRECTORS, REPORT (Continued}
In a match which saw truly abhorrent behaviour towards players there were also major issues
affecting the safety of disabled sUPPOrts attending.
The issues al the final could have been caiaslrophic for all fans but particularly disabled supporters
caught in the violence or injured as a result of reported breaches al the accessible entrance and
wheelchair Ljser viewing 8rÈas.
The Ch8rily welcomed the independent review that was commissioned after the events that took
place al the Euro 2020 final in July. We demanded that this ieview should go into fille detail about
the targeted abuse of accessible entra@, stewarding proee55es and prOdureS and the L7sling
impact on disabled fans.
The independent review led by Baioness Casey has been ¢onducled and lo which Level Playing
FEld submilled evidence. The charty hopes that the findings from the review will deliver
recornrnendalions that will ensure the Chaos al the Euro 2020 final will not be repealed and that
the safety of disabled supporters and, indeed, all 5UPPOrters remains of paramount importance.
Sutveys
Our knowledge centre pillar ol work has been important in 202110 gather re21 life eXperIenS to
bring about change. Throughout the year the charity has had over 1500 lans take part in two Level
PL4ying Field surveys {TV streaming survey and Annual Fan Survey).
Week5 ofAGtion
th the coronavirus pandemic causing sport lo come lo a standstill in March 2020, including the
poslponernenl of last yearfs Weeks of Action, the 2021 campaign was in doubl. After a period of
planning and consideialion, Level Playing Field had little option bul lo make this year's campaign
a virtual one, for the first lime èvèr.
Over 1IK) clubs supportèd the campaign, including those from the Premier League, the EFL.
National League, non-league, the Women's Super League and Championship. 8s well 8S
contributions from the Welsh Cymru leaguas.
CILJbs published content across websites and social medi8 platforms, expressing their support for
4he campaign by engaging with disabled fans during vihal has beerb an especially difficult year.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial p0511ion of the ¢harily al 31At De¢ember 2021. as more fully detailed in the accounts,
Can be summarised as follows..
2021
2020
Net incomellexpendllurel
8,950
14,890}
Unrestricted Revenue Funds available for the general
purposes of the charity
186,411
177.461
Restricted Revenue Funds
Total Fund5
186,411
177,461
Page 5
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
DIRECTORS. REPORT (Continued)
RESERVES POLICY
The reserves policy is lo maintain a level of unreslri¢led reserves which covers 6-12 months of
operating costs.
The report of the directors has been prepared having taken advantage of the small companies,
exemption in the Companies Act 2006.
On behalf ofthe board
A Taylor
Chair
Dale.. 18th May 2Q22
Page 6
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS, REPORT
l Teport to the charity Iruslees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year
ended 31st Dècember 2021 which are sel out on pages 6 10 16.
ResponsSbllltles and basis of report
A5 the charity Iruslees of the company land also ils directors for Ihts purposes of company lawl
you are responsible for the preparation of the aGcounls in accordance with the requirernenls ol
the Companies Act 20061.lhe 2006 Act'l.
Having 5ali51ied myself that the accounts of the company are nol required lo be audited undtsr
Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect ol my
examination of your company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act
2011 I'the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directiorbs given by the
Charrty Commission undèr sectlon 14515llb} of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statemont
Since the company's gross incomè exceeded £250.000 your examiner must be a member of a
body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified lo undertake the examination
because l am a member of the Inslilute of Chartered Accounlanls in England and Wales. which 18
one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examinalion. I confirm that no mallers have come lo my attention in
connection with the examination giving me cause lo belIe that in any material respect..
aGGounling reGords were not kept in respect of the company as requirad by s8dion 386
ol the 2006 Act., or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or
3. the accounts do nol comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006
Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair view, which ts not a
maller considered as part of an independent examination,. or
4. Ihe accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principlès of
the Statement of Recommendèd Practice for CountIng and reporting by charities
applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in acwrdancewilh Ihe Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102).
I have no concems and have come across no other mallers in connection with the examination lo
which allenlion should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the
accoun15 to be reached.
Mark Harwood FCA FMAAT
Michael Harwood & Co
Charteied Accountants
Greville House
10 Jury Street
Warwick
CV34 4EW
Dale..
Page 7
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Ilncorporatlng the Income and Expenditure Accounti
For the year ended 3161 December 2021
2021
2021
Note Unrestricted Restricted
2021
Total
2020
2020
Unrestricted Restricted
202Q
Total
Income from:
Donations & grants
Charitable adivilies
818
74107
818
345.009
11,454
34,297
11,454
323,736
270,902
289,439
Totsl inGorne
74.925
270.902
345.827
45,751
289,439
335,190
Expenditure on..
Raising funds
Charitable actThiitie5
Other
212
36,706
2,105
212
326,901
9,764
221
34,985
722
9Q
291.481
12,581
311
326,466
13.303
290,195
7,659
Total expenditure
39.023
297,854
336,877
35,928
304.152
340,080
Net incomellexpenditurel for
the year
35.902
126,9521
8,950
9.823
114,7131
14,8901
Transfers between funds
126,9521
26.952
114,713)
14,713
Net movement in funds for
the year
8,950
8.950
(4,8)
14,8901
Fund balanc8s broughl ft)rward
177,461
177,461
182,351
182.351
Fund balanGes at 31$t
Decembèr 2021
14
186,411
186.411
177,461
177.461
The notes on pages 9 10 16 form an intègral part of the accounts.
Page 8
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
(Company no. 11109719)
BALANCE SHEET
As at 31st December 2021
2021
2020
Note
Fixed assets
Tangible 85sels
1.356
3,516
Current assets
Debtors
Cash al bank and in hand
9,785
225,069
7,939
205,434
Total Current assets
234,854
213,373
Current liabilities
Creditors
10
149,7991
139,4281
Net Current assets
185,055
173,945
Total assats 18ss currènt liabilities
186,411
177.461
Funds of the Charlty..
Restrlcted funds
Unrestricted fund5
186,411
177,461
Total charity funds
14
186.411
177A61
Directors, slalemenls..
The company was enlilled lo exemption from audit under se¢lion 477 of the Companies
A¢1 2006 relating lo small companies,.
No members have required the company lo obtain an audit of ils a¢¢ounls for the year in
question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of
the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of
accounts.
The flnancial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to
companies subject to the small companies, regime.
The financial slalemenls were approved by the Trustees on .1aih M.gy. 2022
On behalf of the Trustees
Chalr
The notes on pages 9 10 16 form an inlagral part of the ac¢ounls.
Page 9
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 31st December 2021
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
{al Bas1$ of Accountlng
Level Playing Field is a Gompany limrted by guaianlee in England & Wales. In the event
of the ¢harily being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited 10 £1
per member of the charity. The add¥ess of the registered office is given in the charity
infonmalion on page 1 and the nattjre of the charity's operations and principal aclivtlies
are given in the Annual Report.
The Gharily Gonslilules a public benefit enlily as defined by FRS 102. The financial
slalemenls have been prepared in accorda¢ with A¢counling and Reportin9 by
Charities-. Slalemenl of Recommended Pra¢li¢e applicable lo charities preparing their
accounts in accordanc8 with thè Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic ol Ireland issued in OclokEr 2019. the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021, the Charities Act
2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The financial slalernenls are prepared on a going concem basis under the historical
cosl convention. modifièd lo include Certain items at fair value. The h'nancial
slalemenls are presented in sterling which is the functional cuirency of the charity and
rounded lo the nearest £1.
The significant accounting policie5 applied in the pr8paralion of Ih8se financial
slalements are sel out below. Th¢ policies have been Consistently applied lo all
years prèsentèd unless Dtherwisè stat.
(bl Income
All incoming resour¢es are included in the Stslemenl of Financial Aclivbties when the
charity is legally enlilled to the income after any performance conditions have been
mel, the amount can be measured reliabty and il is probable that the income will be
received.
For donation5 to be recognised the charity will have been nolifi8d of th8 amounts and
the Settment dale in writing. If there are conditions allached lo the donation and this
requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is
deferred until those nditionS are fully mel OTthe fuifilment ol those conditions is within
the ctrOl of the charity and il is probable that they will be fulfi'lled.
Investment income eained through hoIng assets for investment purposes suth as
cash and is comprised ol bank interest.
{cl Government Grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value ol the asset rec8iV8d or receivablè
when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be mel and the grants
wi15 be received.
A grant that specifies perforTnance conéilions is recognised in income when the
performance conditions are rnel. INhere a grant does not specify performance
conditions il is recognised in income when the proceeds are receivèd or receivable. A
grant receivell before the reGnli0 criteria are Satisfi is recognised as a liability.
Page 10
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icontlnuedl
For the year ended 3111 December 2021
ACCOUNTING POLICIES l¢ontlnuèdl
Id) Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classifièd under
headings that aggregate all costs related lo the ¢alegory. Expenditure is recognised where
Ihere is a legal or conslfuclive obligation lo make payments to third parties. it is probable
that the selllèmenl will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured
reliably. 11 is calegorised under the following headings..
Costs of rdising funds includes the monthty charges ol donation collection
organisalions.
Charitable expenditure comprises those Gosls incuired by the charity in the delivery ol
ils aclpiilies and services for its beneficiaries. 11 includes both costs that ¢an be
allocated directly lo such activities and those costs of an indirect naturè nècessary lo
support them.
Other expendilure represents those items not falling into thè calegorfes abovè and
includes governance costs.
(el Flxèd Assèts
terns of equipment costing over £200 are capilalised and are staled al cost lor deemed
cost) or valuation les5 accumula18d d8pr8cialion and ac¢umulalFJd impaiment losses. Cost
includes costs directly allribulable to ¥naking the asset capable ol operating a5 intended.
Deprecialion is provided on tangible fixed assets. al rale8 calculated lo write off the cost.
less eslimaled residual value, of each asset on a systematic basi5 over its expected useful
life as follows..
Computer Equipment
3 years straight line
ifj
Debtors and credltots r9celvablo I payablè within onÈ year
Debtors and creditors with no slated interest rale and rectrivable or payable within one year
are recorded al transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in
expenditure.
{g> Funds
Unreslricled funds are available for use at the dis¢retK)n of the trustees in furtherance of the
general objèctives of the ¢harily gnd which have not been designated lor other purposes.
Reslrieted funds are funds subject lo specific restricted conditions imposed by dgnors. The
purposes and use of reslricled funds are set out in note 13 to the financial slalemenls.
{h} Taxation
The ch8rily Is Sn exeryl charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Chaiilies A¢1 2011
and is considered lo pass the lesls sel out in Paragraph 1 Schedule S Finance Act 2010
and therefore il meets thè definition of a chartiable company for UK corporalion lax
puiposes.
Page 11
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icontinuedl
For the year ended 31 St Decem ber 2021
DONATIONS AND GRANTS
2021
2021
Unrestricted Restrict8d
2021
2020
Total Unreslriclèd
2020
Reslricled
2020
Total
Small donations individually kss
than £100
Manchester United Disabled
Supporters Association
National Ass¢xial¥)n of Disabled
Supporters
Vvatfoid Borough Council
(Coronavirus Small Business
Grant Fund)
W3RT
318
318
330
330
500
500
624
624
10,000
10,000
500
500
Total donations and grants
818
B18
11,454
11,454
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2021
2021
Unrestrlcted Restrlcted
2021
2020
2020
Total unreStrted Reslrttled
202C>
Total
In¢ome from Audlts
Training Income
Membership In¢Dme
Perf0Mian-Re[sled Gr8nls'.
Premiei League Fans Fund
The Football League
14,453
11.518
387
14,453
11,518
387
4,625
7,100
4,625
7.100
270,902
270,902
47,749
289,439
289.439
22.572
47,749
22,572
Total income from charltable
activities
74,107
270.902
345.009
34.297
289.439
323.736
Reclassification:
The money received from the Premier League Fans Fund has been r8classifi8d from Donalions and Grants to
Income from Charitable Activities lo more accurately reflect the nature of the income. £289,439 has Iheiefore been
moved within the comparativè figures whèn compared lo the filed 2020 8C¢OLJnls.
Page 12
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Icontlnuedl
For the year ended 31$t December 2021
EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2021
2021
Unrestricled Rèstrlctsd
2021
2020
Total Unrestricted
2020
Restricted
2020
Total
Direct spending
Expenses recharged
Weeks of Action & Campaigning
Regional DSA Forums
Event Costs
12561
633
1,452
12,572
33
12641
1,196
13,205
35
12781
12,0931
479
631
9,D50
11,4621
9,529
141
30
569
599
Total direct spendlng
365
13.793
14,158
11,5841
10,250
Support costs
Staff costs (see Note 6}
Travel and subsistence
Telephone costs
Premises
Publicity
Adminislmlion &
suppliès
Professional fees & insurance
Website & emall hosllng
Training
Postagè
Bad debts
32.678
95
33
2,188
21
728
220.324
1,810
1.343
41.579
396
253,002
1,905
1.376
43,767
417
33,131
577
220,762
7,741
970
39,842
835
253.893
8.318
1,068
41.938
879
2,096
44
6,006
1,677
2,993
228
46
6.734
1.993
3.243
240
51
15
331
105
5,737
2,000
2,052
109
1,183
6.068
2.105
2.160
115
1.256
316
250
12
73
15
Total support costs
36.341
276.402
312,743
36,589
281,231
317.800
Total expenditure on
charitable activities
36.706
290.195
326,901
34,985
291,481
326,466
OTHER COSTS
2021
2021
Unrestricted Restricted
2021
2020
Totsl Unreslricled
2020
Restricted
2020
Total
Bank chargès
Governance travel costs
Other legal and professional
Depreciation
Sundry expenses
83
18
1,885
119
89
355
6,931
2,389
146
1,202
9,032
2,197
168
1,308
9,510
2,313
337
5,046
2,270
108
478
116
Total olhor costs
2,105
7.859
9.784
722
12.581
13,303
Independent examlner's remuneratlon
Included in the above figures are independent examination fees of £3.00012020 - £3,000) and other financial services
of £75612020 - £576}.
Page13
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the year ended 315t December 2021
STAFF COSTS
2021
2020
Gross w8gès
SoGial security costs
Pension costs
Other costs
227,725
20,116
4,915
246
228,700
20,169
5,024
Total salarles. wages and related ¢osts
253,001
253,893
Average number of employees
The number of employees who received total employee benefits lexcluding employer pension
Gosls of more than £60,000 is as follows".
£60,001- £70.000
TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
No Trustee or connected person reiVed any remuneration or expenses either directly or indlrectly.
TANGIBLE FIXEDASSErs
Computer
Equipment
Total
COST
At 1 $1 January 2020
Adéilions
Disposals
6,939
229
6,939
229
At 3161 December 2021
7,168
7,168
DEPRECIATION
Al 1st January 2020
Cha¥ge for the year
Eliminated on disposal
3,423
2,389
3,423
2,389
Al 31$1 December 2021
5,812
5,812
NET BOOK VALUE
Al 3151 December 2021
At 31È1 December 2020
Page 14
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {Continuedl
For the year ended 3151 December 2021
DEBTORS
2021
2020
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Other debtors
6.519
3.266
4,623
3,174
142
9,785
7,939
10. CREDITORS..
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2021
2020
Trade creditors
Accruals
Social security & other taxes
Defe¥red income Isee NDle 111
1,326
3,270
7,041
38,162
203
8.789
6.874
23,562
49.799
39,428
11. DEFERRED INCOME
2021
2020
Balance brought forward
Amounts released lo income
Additions during the year
23,562
123,5621
38.162
49,036
149,0361
23,562
Balance carried forward
38,162
23,562
Deferred income ¢omprises performance-relaled grants covering the year ended 31$1 December
2022 {È25,962) and Access A(Jdil income receiv&d in advance {£12,2001.
Page 15
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
For the year ended 31st December 2021
12. MOVEMENT ON FUNDS
Balance at
01.01.2021
Income Expenditure
in year
In year
Balance al
Transfers 31.12.2021
Unrestricted & desigr)ated funds
Unreslricled revenue funds
177,461
74.925
139,023)
{26,9521
186.411
Total unrestricted funds
177,461
74,925
139.0231
26,9521
1B6.411
Restricted funds
Fans, Fund
270,902
{297,8541
26,952
Total restrlcted funds
270,902
1297,8541
26.952
Total charity lunds
177.461
345,827
1336,8771
186,411
13. RESTRICTED FUNDS
The purFX)ses for which the restricted funds 8rè h8ld by thè charity are..
Fans, Fund Grant fLJnding from the Premier League Fans, Fund to be used for the followiny
oulcotnes".
Outcome 1 To Improve engagement bètweèn fans and fan groups and the
key operaliondl staff who deliver sUPPOrter liai50n, disability access and any
related facilities 8nd services_
Oulcorne 2 - To make lans voice mre represenlalive, through the promotion
and development of effective membership organisalion.
Outcome 3 - To improve the malchday and non-malchday experience for all
fans by making football more diverse and inclusivè.
Oulcome 4 To fund use of mt-for-profil skilled OT profession81 s8Nices that
crèate and support innov81ive fan engagernent projects.
Outcome 5- To itnprove the away fan experience.
Page 16
LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {Continuedl
For the year ended 3151 December 2021
14. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Fixed
Ass¢ts
Current
Assets
Current
Total
At 31" December 2021
Restricted funds
Unreslr(cled fund5
1,288
32.719
202.1
134,0071
115,7921
186,411
1,358
234,854
149,7991
186,411
At 31st December 2020
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
3,340
176
35,250
178,123
138,5901
18381
177,461
3,516
213.373
139,4281
1 T7,461
15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year the company made no transactions with related parties,
16. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
At 31 st December 2021, the Gharily had lolal commitments under nOn