Fans’ show of support throughout pandemic
FOR sports fans, the coronavirus pandemic has decimated the weekly tradition of packing stadiums to cheer on their clubs.
Fans have been feeling the pinch since March and continue to be left sat in front of the television, radio or online for the latest scores as we enter the winter months.
The question of when, and indeed how, fans will get back into stadiums and grounds is one many are asking.
However, Swansea City has an independent, dedicated Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) – and it has seen supporters come together for moral support and more in recent months. The DSA committee is a group of volunteers, who either have a disability or care for people with disabilities.
The aim is to ensure inclusiveness and understanding for all its members.
It also has forged a great working relationship with the Swans and huge amounts of generosity shines through in the DSA’S efforts.
Whether it’s a bit of fun sharing selfies online of
themselves at home cheering on the beloved Swans, or going out into the community to deliver much needed food hampers to fellow supporters, the kinship is clear to see.
Last month, the Swans DSA even held a sociallydistanced coffee morning in the Mumbles in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising £132.25 and while lockdown has been tough for many, the DSA is doing all it can to help members.
Swans DSA secretary Cath Dyer said: “We have supplied all our members
with Swans face masks and so far, run four competitions to keep our fans engaged.
“We are known as a big happy family, and everyone has really pulled together during this very difficult time are always willing to help each other.
“Along with sending DSA letters to every member, offering them support and being able to contact us even if just for a chat.”
She said not being able to go to matches has hit members hard and the camaraderie that comes with it, the pre-match
banter, the roar of the crowd, it’s the stuff that simply cannot be replaced by watching games at home.
Swans DSA chairman Andrew Brayley said: “Our members are often heard saying they consider us as one big family and like any other family we think it’s important to keep in touch, provide some fun things to do and support each other through these difficult times.
“Without having any games to attend or DSA social events to enjoy, the committee has worked hard to provide different ways to enjoy football and being members keeps everyone involved and not forgotten about.
“I would like to thank the members, DSA sponsors and the club for their continued support and involvement in everything we do. Also, my thanks to the other committee members for their neverending hard work and dedication to make this difficult time a little more bearable for all involved.
“Hopefully we will have exciting new things coming soon.
“In the meanwhile, my message is for our members to stay safe and well and I hope to see them in better times.”
Those better times are something many of us, in all walks of life, are looking ahead to.
However, Cath admits just when any sense of normality such as going to the football on a Saturday afternoon will return is anyone’s guess.
She said: “Speaking personally, I know clubs across the UK are constantly looking at how reopening grounds could happen but of course it is all dependent on the government advice and where we will be with the virus in months to come.
“I had hoped to be going back into the Liberty Stadium after Christmas but I think there’s little chance of that yet.
“All we can do as supporters is support each other and as the DSA we are also in regular touch with Swansea AFC and they keep us up to date on things, which is all they can do at the moment.”
Whatever the long term picture, one thing is certain, Swans DSA has the best interests of its members at its heart and that is so important in these uncertain times.