Barton Inclusive Football Club, a North Lincolnshire-based inclusive football establishment, has made a public plea for respect regarding disabled parking spaces at Baysgarth Sports Village, their training facility. The club, which has been in operation since 2019, offers football opportunities for individuals of varying ages and abilities. The importance of this issue was recognised when club volunteer found himself subjected to verbal assault on a Monday evening for merely asking an individual to vacate a disabled parking slot.
The club’s welfare officer, Lynn Green, disclosed the recurrent misuse of these parking spaces, vital for ensuring accessibility for disabled individuals. The club utilises Baysgarth Sports Village, a community facility adjacent to Baysgarth School and under the governance of North Lincolnshire Council, for their sessions. Both the school and the council have been approached for their feedback on the matter.
Green emphasised on the widespread misconception that disables individuals are not involved in sports and stressed that inclusive parking is essential for overall inclusivity. She shared that some players were compelled to park at a significant distance, a full 20-minute walk away, posing a challenge to their ability to participate in sessions designed for inclusive engagement.
This article draws upon original journalism provided by www.bbc.com.
