NUDSA’s Story
NUDSA was formed in September 1998 to represent the interests of the disabled supporters of Newcastle United. It was an important time to establish NUDSA, as the ground improvements being undertaken at St. James’ Park provided an opportunity for disabled fans to collectively lobby the football club with their ideas. It was also relevant that the government-appointed Football Task Force had just published their report of recommendations and NUDSA has been able to develop its policies in line with some of these recommendations.
The NUDSA Committee meets regularly to develop the Association and discuss issues affecting the disabled supporters of Newcastle United. Since early 1999, NUDSA has met regularly with officials of Newcastle United, developing an excellent relationship with the club and we have a permanent seat on the Fans Forum
Social events are held at least 4 times per year. These are normally held in function rooms at St. James’ Park. We often have Newcastle United players at our social events and try to have a variety of different themes for our events, from quiz nights to race nights.
Every season, NUDSA members vote for their favourite player and the winner receives the NUDSA Alan Gill Player Of The Year trophy at one of the events, usually in September.
We produce a quarterly newsletter called the ‘Toon Times’, which is mailed out to all NUDSA members. Articles, letters are welcome and should be sent to the Secretary.
NUDSA has a junior section called the “ZEBRAS”. New members receive a welcome pack, and receive a selection box at our Christmas social event. There are events, trips and competitions organised specifically for ZEBRAS members.
NUDSA tries to organise coach trips to away games each season for our members. Using specially adapted coaches with a lift that can take a number of fixed and collapsible wheelchairs, the trips are dependent on the amount of wheelchair tickets we can get, as many grounds have restricted numbers. NUDSA aims to work with other clubs and national bodies to increase the number of spaces available so that excursions to more grounds can be organised.
NUDSA will help any Newcastle United supporters who have a form of disability, though we do encourage all disabled supporters to join NUDSA. NUDSA aims to help Newcastle United improve the facilities and provisions for disabled supporters by raising issues with appropriate staff and giving relevant advice.
NUDSA is a registered Charity, our charity number is 1085808. We raise funds to continue running and will continue to do so in order to achieve our objectives. Funds are raised from raffles at our social event and through sale of merchandise.
