Meet the DSA Board
The DSB evolved from the original Supporters Advisory Board where from it’s outset it was evident the accessibility issues were taking up too much of the agenda. Working with the Club we have led on many initiatives and instigated facility improvements at the Ground that have further improved the matchday experience for our Disabled Supporters.
The Disabled Supporters' Board aims to act as a platform for meaningful engagement and being the key conduit between accessibility supporters and the West Ham United Board, with the aim of working together to consult, discuss and set actions to help us achieve the best experience for our accessibility supporters across all areas.
Having held its first meeting in July 2017, in advance of the 2018/19 campaign, the full DSB continues to meet regularly with the Club (inclusive of the Covid lockdown). We maintain a positive and productive working relationship with the Accessibility Team speaking frequently both in person, on virtual meetings and via telephone calls, which means we are both able to promptly raise issues that impact on disabled fans.
As Chairpersons, we strive to keep at the fore of accessible stadia guidance, Government expectations and Premier League regulations. We are active members of the Premier League Disabled Advisory Group and hosted one of the meetings at the London Stadium in 2021. Cathy represents the DSB on the Club’s Independent Supporters Committee (ISC) ensuring the accessible voice is heard and our views are taken into consideration. As West Ham’s Women’s Teams fortunes continues to prosper, Trevor represents the DSB on their Supporters Board and regularly attends their games at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
The Disabled Supporters Board now aims to hold bi monthly meetings to discuss how best they can support, assist and represent all disabled supporters. We hope that by establishing the West Ham United Disabled Supporters Association we will engage with more accessibility fans and create a community beyond matchdays at the London Stadium.
Cathy Bayford
Co Chair & ISC DSA Rep
Website Editor
I am Co Chair and Co Founder of the Disabled Supporters Board alongside Trevor Bright. Together we sit on the Premier League Supporters Advisory Group and I represent the DSB on West Ham’s Independent Supporters Committee (ISC) .
Hubby & I have been Season Ticket holders for over 15 years, attending games regularly at the Boleyn, the London Stadium and various away matches through the seasons.
I am fiercely proud of my Forces background having served 21 years in the RAF before an injury forced an early retirement. I went on to work in a management position in a Further Education College. Both career paths thrived through a mindset of teamwork and working together, an ethos I believe I have carried forward when working with the Club.
I am hoping that the formation of the full DSA will continue to grow the feeling of community for our accessibility supporters and we can continue to further improve the matchday experience for all our disabled fans.
Trevor Bright
Co Chair &
Communications Sub Committee & Womens Supporters Board Member
I am Co-Chair of the Disabled Supporter's Association alongside Cathy and I also sit on the WHU Womens Supporters Board, attending the home games in the WSL.
I'm a ex continental lorry driver until a accident changed my life and now I have a different perspective on disabilities in life, as I now use a mobility scooter or wheelchair .
I have been a season ticket holder since the Club's move to London stadium, however I have been a Hammer's fan since the 1960's.
My aim is to produce a better matchday experience for everyone with or without a disability.