WHU Disability Access Officer
Julie Pidgeon
We are familiar with seeing the neon pink around the Stadium on matchdays, but the DSA want to get to know a little about the people behind the jackets. No better place to start than with Julie Pidgeon who is the Club’s Disability Access Officer.
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Julie can often be seen out and about around the ground on matchdays supporting her DSA team members and helping accessible fans with any issues they have. Her empathetic and compassionate attitude offers reassurance to those struggling with health issues that would otherwise distract them from enjoying their footballing day out. Outside matchdays she is busy dealing with all the accessibility issues dealing with queries, sorting out away game attendance issues for disabled supporters and ensuring the Stadium continues to maintain the accessible facilities.
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From day one of the Disabled Supporters Board, Julie has been the main point of contact. She too, acknowledged those with accessibility issues needed a voice of their own and has led from the Club’s side and has advised and supported us as we formed the DSB. Julie has attended Premier League and Football Supporter meetings and forums with us and continues to ensure our opinions are sought on any Club matters that may affect disabled supporters, to ensure we have the best matchday experience the Club can offer.
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You can contact Julie via e-mail at accessibility@westhamunited.co.uk.
How long have you been working for the Club and what bought you to the position of DLO?
22 years and 7 months. I had a spinal injury whilst working as a Nurse and this deteriorated gradually over many years until I was no longer able to ignore surgery. With a young family, I made the decision to look for alternative employment and West Ham had advertised a job for the Ticket Office. I applied and worked alongside a lady called Gina Allen who managed and cared for the disabled supporter database. She was a real treasure and when she became poorly, I naturally drifted into her role. She taught me so much and was so well loved, it was a sad day when we lost her.
Were you a football fan before that?
Yes, my family supported various football Clubs. Best not single anyone out and say which Clubs!
Have you a most memorable memory as a fan? Perhaps meeting a player?
Paulo! But to be fair, I have met some amazing players along the way. Mark Noble who cared so much for our disabled fans, Paul Konchesky who was and still is so supportive, Kevin Nolan in his first stint at the Club and again now. Carlton Cole, James Collins, Scott Parker, Jack Collison, Julian Dicks, Steve Potts, Joe Cole, Rio & Anton, the list in endless.
What about fans Julie? You will have met many disabled supporters over the years, is there anyone or any one story that sticks in your mind?
There are so many and it’s difficult to pick just one person. I guess most recently, it was the loss of Neal Crowley who such a positive influence for both the DSB members, Club and West Ham Foundation. His legacy lives on. And how can we forget young Freya, who had so much determination to walk out as a mascot at the Southampton game a couple of weeks ago.
There have been so many positive changes both in attitude & in facilities for disabled football fans to ensure the matchday is fully accessible. What is next in the pipeline at West Ham that is exciting you?
There is always room to make change. Upgrading our audio commentary system, the introduction of BSL being used at the stadium on match days. We continue to work to improve accessible facilities at the stadium. The Club commit to carry on consulting and listening to our fans for a better matchday experience.
On behalf of all Disabled Supporters and their Family & Friends visiting the London Stadium, many thanks for all the hard work (and patience!) go to Julie & all the DSA’s more of whose stories we hope to feature over the coming months.