Diverse Fans Project: EFL and Charlton Athletic to lead ground-breaking accessibility and inclusion project
Charlton Athletic, the EFL Community Club of the Year, are proud to have been selected to work in partnership with the EFL to lead a pioneering initiative aimed at increasing accessibility and inclusion across professional football.
The club’s historic stadium, The Valley, is located in a vibrant, diverse, multi-cultural south-east London community. However, like most professional football clubs, the current matchday attendance does not fully reflect the diversity of the local community. The project will aim to explore better ways to engage with the broader community, foster inclusivity, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of EFL clubs.
This collaborative project, between Charlton Athletic and the EFL, will span a year and encompass a comprehensive research phase followed by the implementation of the findings.
Together, the EFL and Charlton Athletic are committed to setting a standard for accessibility and inclusion in football, ensuring the sport remains a welcoming game for everyone.
Former player and current Vice-Chair of the Charlton Athletic Board, Paul Elliott CBE MBE said: “Football is a much more welcoming place than it was when I first began in the game many years ago. However, live matchday attendances are still rarely reflective of the demographic of a club’s local population. We must acknowledge that many individuals from diverse backgrounds don’t see watching live football in a stadium as an option.
“At Charlton we believe football is for everyone and our message is clear - All Different, All Together, All Charlton - which is why we are delighted to collaborate with the EFL for this ground-breaking project. Our proud history as leaders in fighting discrimination and promoting inclusivity, combined with our wonderfully multi-cultural location, makes us the perfect club for this pilot initiative.”
Charlton’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Dr Michael Seeraj, said: “This research will provide vital insight into how we can make our matchdays more attractive to our local community and will also provide key actions which we at Charlton can learn from to make really important, positive change. It can serve as a template for EFL clubs to positively influence the long-term sustainability and growth of clubs, fostering stronger community engagement and driving inclusivity.”
EFL Director of EDI David McArdle said: “EFL clubs are proud to represent the communities they serve and work hard through various initiatives to create a welcoming environment for all. Our ambition is for the EFL to be truly reflective and inclusive of the diverse communities they represent across 72 towns and cities.
“The Diverse Fans Project with Charlton Athletic enables us to listen first-hand to the needs of the local community to drive positive change, with the aim of making football even more accessible to communities.”
