Everton Disabled Supporters’ Association (EDSA) has announced Everton Legend Peter Reid and acclaimed film director Rob Sloman as their first ever patrons.

The announcement coincides with Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action, during which both EDSA and Everton have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusion and access for all disabled football supporters.

EDSA, which formed in 1994, works alongside the Club to improve facilities for disabled fans at Goodison Park - ensuring they have a positive matchday experience by providing constant feedback to Everton.

The group has also played a vital role in advising the Club on accessibility in the plans for the proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Working alongside the Club, EDSA has helped to ensure Everton’s proposals make the new stadium the most inclusive in the Premier League, with the most wheelchair spaces in the country, at least one Changing Places facility in every stand, and a sensory room. 

New EDSA patron and Everton Giant Reid joined Everton in 1982 and went on to play 159 games during which time he won the League Championship twice, the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup. He was also named PFA Footballer of the Year in 1985 and won 13 caps for England and played at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

“I am delighted to have been asked to become one of the first ever patrons of EDSA," said Reid. “They do fantastic work alongside the Club to make sure football can be enjoyed by everyone. I can’t wait to start working with the EDSA committee, meet some of the members and attend some of the projects and events.” 

Rob Sloman is a renowned journalist and film producer, best known for directing and producing the critically-acclaimed feature length documentary Everton: Howard’s Way, which charts Everton's rise to become one of the best footballing sides in Europe in the mid-1980s under the Club's most successful manager Howard Kendall. The film features interviews with players including Reid.

Proceeds from the film are being used to fund Everton in the Community’s innovative People’s Place, a purpose-built mental health facility close to Goodison Park.

Sloman said: “When the Committee contacted me about becoming a patron, I felt honoured. I know they have been big supporters of the Howards Way film, so it will be great to able to offer my support back to both the EDSA Committee and their members, following all the important work they do”.

Secretary of the EDSA Committee Mark Dyer said: “Peter Reid and Rob Sloman were our unanimous choice. We are sure both of them will play a key part in supporting the members as we move forward with a number of exciting projects in the coming months."

During Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action, which is now in its 17^th season, Everton and EDSA have been shining a light on what clubs, Disabled Supporters’ Associations, fans and other organisations have been doing to support disabled fans who have been shielding or isolated and to ensure access and inclusion.

To kick off Everton’s support, the Blues’ game against Southampton was designated as an official Level Playing Field fixture, and EDSA were the virtual mascot for the match - the first time that a group of supporters, rather than an individual, has taken part in the activity.

Ahead of kick-off, EDSA members joined a Zoom call with Mason Holgate and experienced the matchday build-up via Holgate’s tablet as he stepped out onto the famous Goodison Park turf. EDSA was also Supporters' Club of the match.

Read a blog from Everton Disabled Supporters' Association (EDSA) member Amy Wilson, who works for CAFÉ and explains how EDSA is working with the Club to look to the future.