New Disability Access Officer handbook

To support the development of Disability Access Officers at football clubs and national associations across Europe, UEFA and its social responsibility partner, the Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE), have published a dedicated Disability Access Officer (DAO) Handbook.

In June 2015, the UEFA Executive Committee approved new Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations, which included a stipulation requiring clubs to appoint a dedicated Disability Access Officer, to support the provision of inclusive, accessible facilities and services.

The handbook includes a foreword from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. “In the spirit of Total Football, Total Access,” he says, “ and with the help of this Disability Access Officer Handbook, please join us in our efforts to make football fully accessible for all.”

The DAO handbook outlines a number of the key responsibilities that a DAO should undertake in order to improve access and inclusion at their club. It provides useful tips and case study examples of existing DAOs from across the UEFA territory, which illustrate the scope of the role, and the potential impact it can have in ensuring an equal game.

“It is with great pleasure that we launch the Disability Access Officer Handbook,” said CAFE managing director Joanna Deagle.

“We are sure this will be an invaluable guidance document for national associations, clubs and DAOs in becoming true champions of access and inclusion across Europe.”

The handbook is available to download in English, with French, German and Russian versions to follow in the coming weeks.

CAFE is also keen to establish a network of DAOs from across Europe, providing a platform to share advice, ideas and best practice examples.

“The launch of the DAO handbook is a landmark moment both for CAFE and for disabled football fans,” project manager Jochen Kemmer explained.

“But the real success of the DAO project will be establishing a strong support network, where key stakeholders can work together towards a game that is accessible and inclusive for all.”

For any questions or queries, please contact CAFE by email - info@cafefootball.eu - or call ++44(0)20 8621 2405.