Rethinking the matchday experience for disabled football fans in Manchester

Disabled supporters from Greater Manchester football clubs are invited to join us in person for an evening of conversation, connection, and change. This 2.5-hour event is all about sharing real matchday experiences and working together to make the football experience more inclusive. 

Through interactive activities, group discussions, and creative message-building, we’ll explore what makes a matchday feel welcoming and what still needs to improve. There’ll be time to chat over coffee, reflect on shared experiences, and send clear messages to clubs about what matters most. 

If you’re a disabled fan with something to say, this is your space to be heard. Let’s shape the future of matchdays, together. 

Football thrives because of its supporters! Their passion shapes the game’s culture, community, and spirit. Yet for many disabled fans, matchdays can still involve barriers, stress, or exclusion. This event is about changing that. You’re invited to join a welcoming, accessible space to share your matchday experiences and discuss what needs to change.

Your insights will inform a forthcoming article that will be part of a Special Issue called  “The Sport Consumer Experience of People with Disabilities: Challenges and Pathways to Inclusivity”, dedicated to improving access and inclusion for disabled fans. Whether you’d like to speak up, listen in, or connect with others, your contribution will help shape solutions for a better matchday experience for everyone. 

Dr Marianna Pavan, Lecturer in Sport Management and Policy

Please contact m.pavan@mmu.ac.uk with enquiries for this event.

Adults 18+

Football fans