Wanderers have been awarded Bronze status under the EFL Equality Code of Practice, recognising the Club’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, both on and off the pitch.
As part of the Equality Code of Practice, Clubs are encouraged to understand their local communities better and focus on addressing areas of under‑representation that are most relevant to their area.
Over the past year, Wanderers have continued to work towards the required standard of the Code and been assessed on a range of criteria aimed at further developing the club's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout all aspects of the club.
In March, we officially opened our new Sensory Room at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. BWFC Chairman Sharon Brittan, Head Coach Steven Schumacher, Level Playing Field Chief Executive Owain Davies, BWDSA Chairman Stephen Parry and members of the BWDSA all attended the opening ceremony.
The room provides supporters with sensory sensitivities a dedicated matchday space, removing a barrier that has made attending live football difficult or impossible for many fans and their families.
Also in March, Wanderers had a dedicated Unite for Access matchday, which is a campaign that brings clubs and disabled supporters together to celebrate what good access looks like in practice. BWDSA members formed a guard of honour as the Wanderers squad entered the field before kick-off and completed a lap of the stadium at half-time to promote the Unite for Access message to supporters in every stand.
Wanderers also hosted a successful Iftar event which was held at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. Iftar is the daily fast-breaking evening meal observed by Muslims during Ramadan. Club Chairman Sharon Brittan was in attendance to celebrate with and welcome the local community at a special time.
With an ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, our Wellbeing Hub is a permanent matchday safe space for families, offering games and refreshments in a relaxed environment before the match begins.
Another ongoing campaign is our One Wanderers Family, which allows supporters to share information and report any incidents of disorder in and around the stadium via a dedicated text number as we encourage fans to See It. Report It. Stop It. in order to reduce discriminatory and anti-social behaviour, making the Toughsheet Community Stadium as safe as possible for everyone.
EFL Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, David McArdle, said:
“The EFL has a proud and diverse fan base, and it is important that our Clubs reflect the communities they represent, both on and off the pitch.
“The Equality Code of Practice is about helping Clubs make meaningful, long‑term progress on equality, diversity and inclusion. It provides a clear framework while allowing each Club to focus on the needs of their own communities. Each Club’s result is a reflection of the commitment, hard work and impact they deliver every season and they should be proud of the progress they have made.”
First introduced in 2012, the Equality Code of Practice became a multi‑level accreditation scheme in the 2022/23 season and is now mandatory for all EFL Clubs. The framework helps Clubs track their progress and continue improving year on year, with assessments taking place every other season and a dedicated development year in between.