In a world where the beautiful game often mirrors society’s challenges, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It’s not about the latest transfer news or the next big tournament. It’s about something far more profound: the power of football to unite, to inspire, and to include everyone.
The Spark That Ignited a Movement: Celebrating Inclusivity in Football
It all began with a simple idea during the preparation phase of World Football Summit Europe 2022: what if we could celebrate those who make football truly accessible to all? Thus, the “Football without Limits Award” was born, a WFS Award created in partnership with Integrated Dreams, to “applaud, cherish, and gain inspiration from companies, clubs, and federations” supporting the inclusion of disabled people in sports.
José Soares, Chief Association Executive of Integrated Dreams, put it best:
“We believe that to continue growing and being a leading sport worldwide, football needs to start considering disability as an opportunity to innovate and reach new markets and not only as a social commitment.”
But awards are just the beginning. They’re the spark that ignites action.
From Idea to Reality: The Most Inclusive Match in the World
Fast forward to February 18, 2023. The Benito Villamarín Stadium, home to Real Betis Balompié, in Sevilla, is buzzing with an energy unlike any other match day. Why? Because history is about to be made.
1,740 disabled fans fill the stands, shattering the previous record by over 700 people. But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about the experience:
– Players wearing jerseys with numbers in Braille
– The club anthem interpreted in sign language
– ColorAdd code on bibs for colorblind spectators
– Audio description services for visually impaired fans
– A dedicated volunteer corps to assist people with disabilities
Ramón Alarcón, CEO of Real Betis Balompié, shared the club’s commitment: “We have been working to improve the experience of fans with functional diversity for 6 years, since the Disability Department was created at the Club, being one of the only teams in LaLiga to have this specialized department.”
Real Betis didn’t just host a match; they reimagined what an inclusive football experience could be.
Why This Matters (And Why You Should Care)
- It’s a Massive Market: As José Soares points out, “According to the World Health Organization, 1 billion people (around 16% of the global population) have some form of disability. It’s also important to mention that when we talk about disability, we are talking about a group that is responsible for over $13 trillion in annual disposable income (it’s a bigger market than China) and is growing every year.”
- Innovation Catalyst: Inclusivity drives innovation. When we design for all, we often create solutions that benefit everyone. The partnership between Virgin and Southampton FC that led to augmented reality headsets for partially sighted fans is just one example.
- It’s Simply the Right Thing to Do: In a world that often divides us, football has the power to unite. As Ramón Alarcón said, “We believe that football is a tool with an unmatched power of social, emotional, and economic impact, so we have to take advantage of it and make initiatives like these that promote inclusion and equality and become an example to follow for the millions of followers that our sport has.”
The Ripple Effect: From Sevilla to Madrid and Beyond
Great ideas have a way of spreading. Like a rock thrown into a pond, the ripples of that historic match in Sevilla are now reaching Madrid.
On October 23, 2024, Atlético de Madrid will partner with World Football Summit, Integrated Dreams, and AccesibAll to host what they hope will be the new “Most Inclusive Match in the World” during a Champions League clash against Lille. This time, even the Spanish Government is on board, with support from Elma Saiz Delgado, Minister of Equality, Social Security and Migration.
But here’s the real magic: it’s not about breaking records anymore. It’s about setting a new standard.
Want to help us break the record? Follow these steps to get your ticket!
The Path Forward: Your Role in the Revolution
This isn’t just a story about World Football Summit, Real Betis, or Atlético de Madrid. It’s about all of us. Here’s how you can join the movement:
- Start Small: Appoint someone in your organization or environment to champion inclusivity. As Ramón Alarcón advises, “The creation of the Disability department that listens and attends to the needs of these people… is something that all big clubs should have.”
- Educate Yourself: Follow international standards. In fact, you can check UEFA’s Accessibility Guidelines, which were done in collaboration with AccessibAll.
- Collaborate: Reach out to disabled fans and advocacy groups. They’re your best resource for understanding needs and innovating solutions.
- Think Beyond the Stadium: José Soares reminds us, “When addressing the topic of inclusion in football, we mean that all the services/activities of a specific football organization should be accessible for everyone and not just for some segments of people.”
- Leverage Technology: From augmented reality to audio description services, technology can play a crucial role in making football more accessible.
While the benefits of inclusivity are clear, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that clubs and organizations may face when implementing these initiatives. Financial constraints, structural limitations, lack of awareness or expertise, and resistance to change can all represent obstacles. However, by starting small, seeking guidance from experts, and collaborating with disabled fans and advocacy groups, these challenges can be overcome. As more clubs demonstrate the value of inclusivity, both in terms of social impact and business potential, the case for investing in these initiatives will become increasingly compelling.
The Final Whistle (But Not Really)
The most exciting part of this story? It’s just beginning. There is no final destination; it’s a journey. A journey towards a football world where everyone, regardless of ability, can feel the rush of a last-minute goal, the energy of the stands, and the pure passion of the beautiful game.
Ramón Alarcón’s words serve as a rallying cry for the entire football community: “Clubs should be rivals on the field of play, but when the referee blows the final whistle, we must unite and face the challenges facing society together.”
So, the next time you’re at a match, look around. Is everyone who wants to be there able to be there? If not, you know what to do. Because in this game of inclusion, we all win.
The whistle has blown. The match for true inclusivity has kicked off. Will you play the game? Or will you watch from the sidelines?
