The British National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS) took centre stage at Wembley Stadium on Saturday to receive the UEFA-backed European Football Supporters Award (EFSA) for 2008.

Spirit of solidarity
NADS members picked up the award – recognising the spirit of solidarity manifest in a volunteer association that represents disabled fans in the United Kingdom – at Wembley's famous Royal Box in front of a host of dignitaries before the international friendly between England and Slovakia.

Prestigious setting
The President of The Football Association (FA), Lord David Triesman, congratulated NADS chair Joyce Cook and her team on their dedicated efforts towards ensuring that disabled fans are treated equally and can enjoy the game alongside their fellow supporters. The award winners, who were joined at the friendly match by some 85,000 fans, also had the opportunity of a pitch-side photo while the NADS Level Playing Field campaign was launched on the big screens at the London stadium.

Heart of football
The destination of EFSA 2008 was decided in December. NADS president David Bernstein thanked the EFSA and the FA for organising the award ceremony at such a prestigious home of football as Wembley. The prize – originally the Brussels International Supporters Award, but now renamed in order to confirm its roots at the heart of European football – was created in 2005 by the City of Brussels and the Dialogic communication and marketing agency.

UEFA support
The award has since benefited from the considerable support of UEFA, which both recognises the importance of the role played by supporters in football stadiums, and appreciates the originality of an accolade that encourages ethics in sports.

Click here to visit the European Football Supporters Award website.

Click here to visit the National Association of Disabled Supporters website.