WE ARE THE YTFC DSA
The Yeovil Town Football Club Disabled Supporters Association originated a number of years ago but then became dormant. On 24th June 2009 a meeting was arranged and a new committee was elected to enable the DSA to become active again. Our objectives are: -
1. To represent disabled supporters of YTFC in their dealings with the club
2. To assist in raising funds for the purpose of improving facilities for disabled people at Huish Park stadium
3. To recommend and instigate measures to improve the matchday experience for disabled people at Huish Park stadium
4. To encourage and organise travel to away matches by their members
5. To encourage and organise social events for their members.
Since becoming active again, the membership has increased to nearing the 100 mark. The DSA committee have been very active in many areas including being a programme sponsor, a match ball sponsor as well as funding match day mascots.
An ever increasing number of clubs are setting up a DSA and most have also become members of Level Playing Field (The trading name for The National Association of Disabled Supporters). YTFC DSA is a member and has implemented a procedure whereby we contact ALL visiting clubs to Huish Park (irrespective of them having a DSA or not) and offer assistance to any disabled members of that club concerning their visit to Huish Park.
We have 56 disabled parking slots at Huish Park and all are allocated to our members, however, there are also a number of disabled slots which come under the control of the GWSC (Green & White Supporters Club). They have been very helpful in releasing slots to any visiting disabled supporter once they have been advised of the request. Most clubs have a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) and this position is currently held by James Hillier (Stadium Manager). Assistant DLO is Roger Battrick our DSA Chairman.
Each season the DSA will vote for a Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year Award and present the awards after the last home match each season. The new committee has built up a good working relationship with the officials of YTFC and have found them to be very supportive.
Membership is £5 per year to any disabled supporter. If you wish to join, why not contact our Secretary Sharon Swain, on 07790 375250, email - swainfoley@btinternet.com or write to YTFC DSA Membership Secretary, 12 Coles Lane, Yetminster, Dorset DT9 6LP.
The YTFC DSA is making every effort; not only to represent our members in every area, but also to raise our awareness to all supporters and hopefully this article has given you an insight about us.
YTFC DSA CONSTITUTION
(WITH EFFECT FROM 24th MAY 2010)
1. NAME
1.1 The name of the Association is the ‘Yeovil Town Football Club Disabled Supporters Association’ (DSA).
2. OBJECTIVES
2.1 To represent disabled supporters of YTFC in their dealings with the club.
2.2 To assist in raising funds for the purpose of improving facilities for disabled people at Huish Park stadium.
2.3 To recommend and instigate measures to improve the matchday experience for disabled people at Huish Park stadium.
2.4 To encourage and organise travel to away matches by members.
2.5 To encourage and organise social events for members.
3. MEMBERSHIP
3.1 Members: Disabled supporters of YTFC. A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Proof of disability is required, e.g. A Blue Badge with serial number and name of issuing authority; or proof of receipt of Disability Living Allowance; or a copy of a doctor’s letter. Members are entitled to attend and speak at meetings called by the Executive Committee and to vote in those meetings.
3.2 Membership fee is £5 per annum.
4. COMMITTEE
4.1 The DSA Committee shall comprise of a Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and other members, to be elected by members of the DSA at the AGM. They will represent the DSA in all matters and make decisions on its behalf, including the appointment of sub-committees.
4.2 The term of office shall last until the next AGM, when one third of the members of the Committee, to be decided by ballot if necessary, shall stand down. These Committee members may stand for election together with any other candidates for the vacant positions.
4.3 In the event of any Committee member leaving their elected position prior to an AGM, the Committee shall appoint a temporary successor who will act until the next AGM, when that position will be the subject of a proper election by the members of the DSA.
4.4 Minutes of Committee meetings will be available to any member who requests a copy.
5. MEETINGS
5.1 The AGM will be held annually at an agreed date every May. All DSA members will be invited to attend.
5.2 The Secretary will be responsible for despatching the Calling Notice for the AGM at least 21 days prior to the meeting. A copy of the proposed Agenda is to accompany the Calling Notice.
5.3 Minutes of the AGM will be available to any member who requests a copy.
5.4 The Executive Committee can call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), as can any member, providing he/she has the written support of at least 5% of the other members – the written requests by all parties are to be sent to the Secretary who will convene an EGM at the earliest possible opportunity.
5.5 Executive Committee meetings are to be held at least once every second month or sooner, at the discretion of the officers. Sub-Committee meetings are to be held at the discretion of the members.
6. FINANCES
6.1 All funds raised by the Association will be lodged in a separate bank account in the full name of the Association, under the control of the Treasurer.
6.2 The Treasurer will provide a complete financial update at each meeting.
6.3 Funds may only be released from the account by direct reference to the Chairman or Secretary of the Association.
7. MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 Yeovil Town Football Club will nominate a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) who will act as a direct link between the football club and the DSA. All communications between the DSA and the club should, in the first instance, be through the DLO in order to comply with the club’s Customer Charter and policy on the Disabled Discrimination Act (1995).
7.2 Away travel: The DSA will encourage away travel by the hire of adapted vehicles to carry DSA members to away games, provided it is financially viable.
7.3 Amendments to the Constitution: Alterations to the Constitution may only be made at an AGM or EGM called for the purpose. Alterations can only be passed on a majority vote of members, present at the meeting.
Yeovil Town Football Club - Disabled Information and Facilities Plan
Parking
The stadium is some way out of Yeovil with good parking onsite and easy access. Disabled parking bays are reserved for members of YTFC Disabled Supporters Association, who are allocated bays behind the AgustaWestland Community Stand and against the back of the Screwfix Community Stand.
There are also a number of bays at the top of the slope behind the Screwfix Community Stand which are available on a first come first served basis. For help, look out for the GWSC Stadium Assistants in the red tabards.
Any other Blue Badge holders, both home and away, are advised to contact Sharon Swain on 07790 375250, prior to the day of the match, for availability. Access to the stadium is generally flat from the reserved spaces behind the AgustaWestland Community Stand but on a slope from the reserved spaces behind the Screwfix Community Stand.
Disabled Fan Segregation
No specific arrangements in place
Wheelchair Places
Wheelchair users are accommodated in 4 bays set into the front of the Screwfix Community Stand, all bays having room for around 5 wheelchairs and being at ground level. There is no provision for companions or assistants alongside the wheelchairs but there is a carer’s row directly behind the bays. One helper with any disabled person using a wheelchair receives their admission to the ground free of charge. Visiting Disabled supporters are accommodated at the away end side of the Screwfix Community Stand and have 5 wheelchair places. For help, look out for the GWSC Stadium Assistants in the red tabards.
Wheelchair Hire
We have three adult & one child’s wheelchairs available for free hire whilst at the match. Supporters wishing to use the wheelchair service are advised to contact the nearest Steward on arrival at the match and then return the equipment to the nearest Steward, after the match.
Hearing Impaired
No specific arrangements in place
Visually Impaired
There is a dedicated audio described Soccer Sight commentary service, with 10 headsets available for use by Home & Away supporters. Supporters wishing to use this commentary service are advised to contact the nearest Steward on arrival at the match and then return the equipment to the nearest Steward, after the match.
Learning Impaired
No specific arrangements in place
Ambulant
Supporters with ambulatory disabilities of a severe nature will qualify for the concessionary treatment and have access to seating nearest the entrances/exits. We advise you to contact the club for further details.
Toilets & Catering
1 adapted toilet (alarmed) in each covered stand in close proximity. No dedicated catering outlets but they are handily sited behind the stands. Access to both snack-bars in the Screwfix Community Stand is level and flat and there is a disabled toilet beside the snack-bar nearest to the home end terrace.
Away Accessible Transport
No specific arrangements in place. For further information or assistance, please contact Roger Battrick on 01308 485560.
Ticket Information
Supporters requiring access to designated areas are advised to purchase tickets in advance if they do not hold a season ticket. For all the latest ticket information, please ring the Ticket Office or visit the club official Website.
The Club Shop, Bars and Other Facilities
The club shop is situated underneath the AgustaWestland Community Stand opposite the Screwfix Community Stand and is accessible via a small step. Beware of the camber of the ground outside the AgustaWestland Community Stand; it tends to vary a bit.
The club's bars and conference facilities are all situated on the first floor of the AgustaWestland Community Stand and are accessible via a purpose built lift situated next to the Green & White Supporters Club shop, at the far end of the stand. The club have a temporary Marquee bar on the far side of the all-weather pitch at Huish Park, opposite the corner of the AgustaWestland Community Stand and the Thatchers Gold Stand.
The Marquee is wheelchair accessible and away supporters are catered for before the match but not after the match. Some visiting club supporters are excluded upon advice from the police. Otherwise for the thirsty wheelchair user the nearest pubs to the ground, The Arrow and The Bell, are both around a quarter-of a mile from Huish Park. Happily they are both wheelchair-friendly.
Address and Contact Details
Yeovil Town Football Club, Huish Park, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8YF
Telephone: 01935 423662 Fax: 01935 473956/847886
Ticket Office: 01935 847888 or 01935 423662 Option 1
Stadium Manager: James Hillier 01935 423662 Email jhillier@ytfc.net
Supporter Liaison Officer: Position is Currently Vacant
Websites: www.ytfc.net - www.levelplayingfield.org.uk - www.football-league.co.uk and www.ciderspace.co.uk
Yeovil Town Football Club Disabled Supporters Association
Chairman: Roger Battrick 01308 485560 Mobile 07909 083830
Secretary: Sharon Swain 01935 706281 Mobile 07790 375250 Email swainfoley@btinternet.com
Disability Liaison Officer: Stadium Manager James Hillier or YTFC DSA Chairman Roger Battrick
Directions to Huish Park
From the Midlands and North
Take the M5 south to junction 25 (Taunton). Take the A358 signposted Ilminster until joining the A303 at Horton Cross. Continue along the A303 in an easterly direction which is signposted Andover and London until the Cartgate roundabout and then take the A3088 which is signposted Yeovil. At the first roundabout take the first exit along Bunford Lane, go straight over the next roundabout and take the first exit at the next roundabout into Lufton Way. The main entrance to the stadium is on the right.
From London and the Home Counties
Take the M3 and the A303 until the Cartgate roundabout, junction with A3088 sign-posted for Yeovil. At the first roundabout take the first exit along Bunford Lane, go straight over the next roundabout and take the first exit at the next roundabout into Lufton Way. The main entrance to the stadium is on the right.
From the South via A30
Take the A30 into Yeovil until the Kingston roundabout, and then follow signs for Taunton (A358) along Preston Road to the roundabout at Western Avenue (Asda Store on the left). Go straight over the roundabout into Lufton Way. The main entrance to the stadium is on the right.
From the West Country via the A30
Take the A30 into Yeovil; at the first roundabout in West Coker Road take the first exit. At the bottom of the hill, take the first exit again at the roundabout, the second exit at the following roundabout and then straight over the next. This will lead you to the Western Avenue roundabout. Take the first exit at this roundabout into Lufton Way and the main entrance to the stadium is on the right.
From the West Country via A303
Take the A303 to the Cartgate Roundabout and take junction A3088 sign-posted for Yeovil. At the first roundabout, take the first exit along Bunford Lane, go straight over the next roundabout and take the first exit again at the next roundabout into Lufton Way. The main entrance to the stadium is on the right.
Future Events for your Diary
’Adopt a School’ scheme between YTFC and a local school
Lufton College are again taking part in the scheme for season 2012 - 2013. It involves regular contact and our Chairman Roger Battrick with our Secretary Sharon Swain will be coordinating the project.
The scheme also involves visits to the school by DSA committee members, the Community Sports Trust, YTFC Team management and players. Amongst the activities will be a visit by the pupils to Huish Park for a number of events on a match day.
Christmas Meal 2012
We have arranged the Christmas Meal event for Monday 26 November 2012.
End of Season Meal 2013
We have arranged the End of Season Meal event for Monday 22 April 2013
Annual General Meeting 2013
The next AGM will take place in the Glovers suite on Monday 13 May 2013.
We would request your attendance at our AGM as it would be nice to see a few more members other than the stalwarts who attend. This is also the place where you can have your views heard, discussed and resolved.
Soccer Sight Project
The project was initially set up by RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) and was then taken over by AFBP (Action for Blind People) until it relinquished their control on 31st March 2010.The camps have now been resurrected under the management of the RNC (Royal National College for the Blind) at Hereford and they are considering the managing of the coaching side of the Soccer Sight programme.
However, no one has taken overall responsibility for the Commentary project, as the AFBP informed each individual club involved that, they would need to take over from them.
The Soccer Sight project ensures that blind and partially sighted people can access football at all levels, whether that be playing, watching or coaching the game. The project works with professional football clubs across the UK and has unique partnerships with the Football Association, Wembley National Stadium, and community agencies such as Local Societies for the Blind, Social Service Rehabilitation teams and Education services.
There are over 2 million blind and partially sighted people in the UK. Sight loss is one of the most isolating disabilities in this country, leading to social exclusion, lack of independence, confidence and self esteem. The Soccer Sight project has played an important role to help combat this for many hundreds of people.
The main focus of the project is to provide each Soccer Sight football club with a dedicated commentary service for blind and partially sighted football supporters.
The commentators were trained by the project in partnership with BBC commentary teams to deliver a live, dedicated and descriptive commentary throughout the 90 minutes of the game which brings the game alive for blind and partially sighted supporters.
Soccer Sight supplied each club with new radio broadcasting and receiving equipment that allows people to sit with family and friends anywhere in the ground to receive the commentary.
Soccer Sight has enabled many blind and partially sighted people to attend football matches for the first time in many years, this has proved to be of huge benefit for their own wellbeing and self esteem. For many this has been their first opportunity to leave their homes and engage with the local community for some time.
As the project ended under the control of AFBP they had 12 new clubs on board and had worked with the FAI in Northern Ireland to provide equipment and commentators for the International fixtures at Windsor Park.
There are currently a total of 17 League Clubs who have Soccer Sight Commentators of which Exeter, Plymouth, Swindon & Yeovil are in the South West area.
If you are interested in setting up a Soccer Sight system at your club, I would politely suggest that you fully evaluate the demand and usage, the cost (£3594 for the kit with 10 receivers & 1 transmitter); the volunteer commentators required along with their training and administration procedures, before you proceed. It would be of great benefit to the listeners but it also needs to be cost effective.
Should you want additional information, please contact the following, who will still give advice and answers: -
1. First port of call is Eleanor Ellison of the RNIB on 01273 262221 or eleanor.ellison@rnib.org.uk
2. Barry Swain, who ran the 'football commentary experience' programme and training package, on 07970 464286 or barryswain@live.co.uk
3. Barry Ginley, who provided the ‘visual awareness’ training, on 07860 859933 or b.ginley@vam.ac.uk
4. Anne Hornsby of the Audio Description Association, who provided advice and training, on 01204 522481 or anne.hornsby@btinternet.com
5. Douglas Telford of Access Audio, who provided the equipment, on 01316 630777 or telford@accessaudio.co.uk
This information is up to date, as far as I am aware and has been taken from the Soccer Sight Commentary Manual.
David G Munn (YTFC DSA Soccer Sight Commentator) 19/04/12