Top scorer Ollie Banks has been named as ambassador for Barrow’s newly formed Disabled Supporters’ Association.
It comes as The Bluebirds prepare to celebrate Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action campaign.
The Barrow captain says he was thrilled to be invited to take up the position and will now play a key role in raising the profile of the BDSA as the club continues its commitment to improve facilities for disabled supporters.
Disability charity Level Playing Field are marking the 18th year of their annual Weeks of Action campaign between Saturday 26th February and Sunday 13th March.
Barrow will be getting involved this weekend, with the players set to wear specially designed Level Playing Fields t-shirts during the warm-up in the fixture against Harrogate Town.
The campaign’s focus is to showcase the good work being done by clubs and organisations across the country to improve accessibility and inclusion across all sports.
Banks, who joined the club a year gone January from Tranmere, has developed a close relationship with the Barrow supporters has been talking to the club website.
He said: “I’m so humbled to have been asked to become an Ambassador for the club’s Disabled Supporters’ Association.
“I’m really pleased to see the club once again supporting Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action campaign because continuing the good work that is going on at all clubs is vital.
“I am really proud of the improvements that our club has made in terms of its facilities for disabled supporters, and I know that the formation of a Disabled Supporters’ Association is a really positive move forward.
“It’s so important, not just for the club, but for all the players themselves too that all of our fans feel really welcome at The Dunes Hotel Stadium and able to enjoy watching us play every week. I am representing the team as captain, and I want all fans to feel a part of it.
“We want everyone to be able to come and support the team they love and enjoy watching live football at our stadium and campaigns like Weeks of Action help drive the progress we need to keep seeing across the game at all levels.”
The theme for this year’s Weeks of Action campaign is the return of fans and Banks has admitted that playing behind closed doors is not something he wants to see again any time soon.
He added: “If fans were to get taken away from stadiums again, I am not sure I would want to do it – I feel that strongly about it.
“It’s not just the motivational side of it – it’s the banter, the rivalry and everything that comes with it. That’s what makes football and sport what it is.
“I, for one, am really pleased that everyone is getting the opportunity to enjoy it again and hopefully Level Playing Field’s campaign and the work we’re doing at Barrow can help even more people come along and get involved.”
