Football fandom, social inclusion and learning disability: opportunities and constraints

Abstract

In Britain, within the contemporary drive to use sport to tackle the isolation of socially excluded groups, football (soccer) fandom has been suggested in many policy documents as a possible site for enabling people with learning disabilities to become more socially included. Forming the basic theoretical work for my doctoral research, this paper provides a critical analysis of this so far unexamined discourse. Conclusions suggest that current policy represents a simplistic and overly romanticised view of people with learning disabilities as football fans, leaving many unanswered questions about what social inclusion targets can reasonably be met through football fandom.

Facilitating inclusivity and broadening understandings of access at football clubs: the role of disabled supporter associations

“…In that respect, this article specially contributes to the research by ParamioSalcines et al (2014ParamioSalcines et al ( , 2016 and Southby (2011Southby ( , 2013 in that we have added the voices of the customers (i.e. the disabled supporters) to the mix.…”

“…It is considered essential, but 'not sufficient'. Our literature review revealed that this focus on physical barriers is the most commonly used by football clubs (Southby, 2011).…”

“…These concerns have been recently picked up by a number of authors within the sport management academic literature. This body of research has shown an interest in how clubs and football organisations manage these issues (Paramio Salcines, Grady, & Downs, 2014;Paramio, Campos, & Buramio, 2012;Paramio-Salcines, Downs, & Grady, 2016;Paramio-Salcines & Kitchin, 2013;Southby, 2011Southby, , 2013.…”