Championship side Oxford United F.C. are taking a significant step toward improving accessibility for disabled supporters by helping establish a new Disabled Supporters Association (DSA).
Working alongside accessibility charity Level Playing Field, the club is inviting disabled fans to help shape a more inclusive matchday experience at Kassam Stadium, and ensure their voices are represented in future decisions.
Oxford supporters invited to help shape new association
An online meeting has been held to discuss the formation of the Disabled Supporters Association and gather ideas from fans who wish to get involved.
The proposed group aims to bring together disabled supporters, carers, helpers and others who are passionate about improving accessibility at the club.
Paul Scaysbrook, a wheelchair user and representative on the club’s Fan Advisory Board, believes the initiative could provide an important platform for supporters.
He explained that creating a recognised group made up of disabled fans and their supporters would allow them to have a direct voice with both the club and the Fan Advisory Board.
“Having a formal group, recognised by the Club, made up of disabled supporters, carers, helpers and anyone else who may have a passion for driving accessibility and inclusivity forward, will enable these fans to have a direct voice with the Club and Fan Advisory Board,” Scaysbrook said.
“The DSA is a fan-led initiative supported by the Club, Fan Advisory Board, Football Supporters' Association and Level Playing Field,” he added.
Fan-led initiative backed by key organisations
The Disabled Supporters Association is intended to be a supporter-led organisation, supported by Football Supporters' Association, Level Playing Field and the club itself.
The upcoming meeting will focus on outlining the next steps and creating a clear plan to improve the matchday experience for disabled fans at Oxford United.
By working collaboratively with supporters and advocacy groups, the club hopes the new DSA will become a driving force for accessibility and inclusivity at matches.
On the pitch, the club has struggled this season, currently in the Championship bottom two, and they risk dropping to League One.
FGG Says
Creating a Disabled Supporters Association is an important move for Oxford United and reflects a growing recognition across football that accessibility must be shaped by the supporters who experience it first-hand.
By giving disabled fans a formal platform and a direct line of communication with the club, Oxford are taking a practical step toward ensuring matchday improvements reflect real needs.
If the initiative succeeds, it could become a valuable model for other clubs looking to strengthen their relationship with disabled supporters.