The LDSA (Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association) was set up in 2004 by Liverpool Football Club (LFC) in conjunction with disabled LFC fans. The LDSA, in partnership with Liverpool Football Club, addresses issues affecting disabled supporters relating to stadium access, pitch view, parking, disabled toilet and catering facilities, and any other matters relating to facilities for disabled people.
Our association recognises that all fans should have an equal opportunity to participate in an enjoyable match day experience and that people with disabilities and/or impairments must have their interests recognised and promoted by Liverpool Football Club with equal status to that of non-disabled fans. The LDSA aims to assist the club in meeting every aspect of the 'Accessible Stadia Guide'.
With a view to promoting friendship and awareness, the LDSA also organises occasional social events for its members, friends and families. Such occasions might be used for fund raising.
Membership
Membership of the LDSA is open to Liverpool supporters with disabilities and/or impairments, There is also an associated membership available to the support workers, carers, and families of LDSA members (membership fee 09/10 is £5 pa).
If you wish to join the LDSA, you need to email LDSA@liverpoolfc.tv for an application form. If you prefer, you can telephone the LFC Disability Liaison Officer on 0151 264 2913, or write to LDSA, Bridge Chapel Centre, Heath Road, Garston, Liverpool L19 4XR, requesting an application form.
The Committee
There are 10 members of the Committee including the LFC Disability Liaison Officer who is a permanent member. There are seven key positions on the Committee; they are Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Funding Coordinator, Public Relations Officer, Ticket Office Liaison Officer, and Events Coordinator. There are also two positions on the Committee without a specific responsibility. These nine Committee positions are voluntary. The Committee meets monthly and discusses any issues and specific problems reported to the Committee or to the Disability Liaison Officer.
Elections
Annual elections take place to appoint people to the nine-committee positions; 3 committee positions are appointed each year. Any LDSA member can nominate him/herself as a candidate for a position on the Committee. Elections are conducted during the pre-season period.
LDSA President & Honorary President
In March 2008, The LDSA welcomed Liverpool Football Club legend Phil Neal as their first President. This year, the LDSA is delighted to announce that another Liverpool legend, John Aldridge takes over as President of the LDSA, whilst Phil becomes Honorary President. Kop favourite John is one of our most successful goal scorers, and we wish him a very warm welcome to our association. The LDSA looks forward to seeing John and Phil at future social events, and would like to thank them for their generous support of our association and disabled supporters.
Level Playing Field Campaign
The LDSA is a member of the National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS), and takes part every year in the "Level Playing Field" Campaign.