MUDSA · Louis van Gaal somehow found the time to acquire the services of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw. Many people thought that this couldn’t happen because of his commitments in

DISABLEDSUPPORTERSASSOCIATION


leemingdesign.co.ukleemingdesign.co.uk2014/15

MU

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SAMEMBERS’HANDBOOKMEMBERS’HANDBOOKDISABLED

SUPPORTERSASSOCIATION


DisabledSupporters’Association

2014/15 MUDSA MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 3

INTRODUCTION

4 SECRETARy SAyS

8 THE SEASON

12 BETWEEN THE HEADPHONES

MUDSA EVENTS

18 CHRISTMAS PARTy

20 ANNUAl DINNER

26 THE DOgS

28 CARRINgTON VISIT

30 BOWlINg CHAllENgE

TICKETINg

34 HOW TO jOIN MUDSA

36 APPlyINg FOR TICKETS

38 AWAy MATCHES

40 SANCTIONS (FOR THE BENEFIT OF All)

FACIlITIES

44 DISABlED PARKINg AND lIFT PASSES

46 MATCHDAy FACIlITIES

52 WHAT’S ON AT OlD TRAFFORD

MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 2014/15

CONTENTSCONTENTS

2 MUDSA MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 2014/15

information on Facebook and now Twitter. Memorabilia features high on the list and, of course, MUDSA remains the focus of all the disability related knowledge that our members rely on. As we edge closer to our Silver Jubilee, it’s plain to see the output of the MUDSA Committee remains much greater than the sum of all its parts!

Ann-Marie and Chas produce a fantastic joint effort in bringing together the Annual Dinner and the Christmas Party, Ann-Marie is also the main point of contact for our trips to the bowling alley, Belle Vue dogs and the Aon Training Complex at Carrington. Jamie and Des continue to do an amazing job with Rollin’ Reds and Sue Rocca makes sure that we don’t use all our pocket money!

It’s interesting that we receive a huge amount of positive comments which

we sometimes include in Rollin’ Reds. Our members who travel to all the away games will always say that the match day experience at Old Trafford is unrivalled in any of the leagues. Over recent months the reality of the match day experience here and media interest has been at odds but we hope that something positive will arise from this gerrymandering and the thing that matters the most will rise to the top of the agenda… quality!

TIME FOR A WEll-EARNED REST!

One of the most amazing features of match days at Old Trafford is the appreciation of our members for those who form an integral part of The Ability Team. I refer to the stewards dotted around our sections that do an unstinting job, match after match, come rain or shine. I refer to people

INTRODUCTION THE BOSS

The end of last season saw us with our third manager in less than 12 months. Ryan Giggs, at the age of 40, sat in the manager’s chair for the last four games, performed quite well and was under the spotlight in the ‘Life of Ryan’ which highlighted his astonishing career. Now we are in the 2014-15 season and have a renowned Dutch manager with Ryan as his assistant. Louis van Gaal comes to Old Trafford with an impressive record and, despite being in Brazil with the Dutch team, still managed to begin targeting and buying players.

On behalf of all MUDSA members we offer a warm welcome to Louis! We hope he has the same level of success here as he has had around Europe. We also offer the same warm welcome to Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout who join him as his assistant coaches.

In amongst all the World Cup action,

Louis van Gaal somehow found the time to acquire the services of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw. Many people thought that this couldn’t happen because of his commitments in Brazil but they are already with us. Ander Herrera joined us from Athletic Bilbao and Luke Shaw from Southampton. Both are very special players with Ander being only 24 and Luke, a baby, at the tender age of 18 (now 19!).

It’s fairly certain that everyone at Old Trafford expects a very contrasting management style this season. No doubt there will be plenty to discuss as the season progresses!

THE COMMITTEE

Year after year the MUDSA Committee produces an array of output… Rollin’ Reds, the MUDSA Members’ Handbook, posting


SECRETARy SAyS…SECRETARy SAyS…


SECRETARy SAyS…

INTRODUCTION THE BOSS

such as Tom, Alan, Viv, Keith, John and others but too many to mention here.

As the years go by it’s easy to see why these people become part of the MUDSA family to the extent that they even want to be part of the regular MUDSA events. A great fondness and appreciation builds, hence a feeling of sadness when one of our most loved stewards decides it’s time to retire when he wants to continue above anything else. In this particular case I’m talking about Tom Whelan (right).

I hesitate to think how many years Tom has been with us but it certainly means that some of us are much older than when Tom first appeared on the scene. Tom had a huge affinity with any disabled person coming to a game whether they were one of ours or a visitor coming to share the excellent experience Old Trafford offers. Tom was frequently highlighted as one of the shining lights by visiting fans, probably because the smile and the welcome everyone received was from the heart!

On behalf of the MUDSA Members and Committee we would like to pay tribute to Tom by offering a huge thank you here in the Members’ Handbook. For this season and for those looking back over seasons readers will be able to see the friendly

smiling face I’m talking of. He will be missed but hopefully Tom will join us at a few games and pop up at future MUDSA events.

AND FINAlly…

Having previously been based in the MU Foundation office we now find ourselves located in the Ticketing and Membership Services Building amongst the people we work most closely with. Our thanks go to David French, Sam Kelleher and the rest of the team for the support they have provided us over many years. Being integrated into the fold is bound to allow the flow of operational know-how to feed into an even better service.

As I frequently say, MUDSA wouldn’t be what it is and the match day experience wouldn’t be the same without the support received from the senior staff and directors of the club. Our thanks go to everyone involved in providing the services and facilities we have here which are the envy of many.

Wish you all the best for the coming season,

Phil Downs, MBE Disability Liaison Officer/ MUDSA Secretary

2014/15 MUDSA MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 7 6 MUDSA MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 2014/15

INTRODUCTION 2013/14

As Manchester United started the 2013/14 season as reigning champions, most fans had good reason to be confident after winning the league by a huge margin.

Even with several ageing players in the ranks, United won the previous league by 11 points and all the chatter through the summer was that money was available and targets had been identified.

With new Chief Executive Ed Woodward and new manager David Moyes, we had every reason to believe it would be a good season continuing on from the last.

We couldn’t have been more wrong. The transfer window was underwhelming, with Fellaini being the first midfielder to arrive at Old Trafford in more than five years.

United started brightly with a comfortable win in the Community Shield, although, we all know it’s one of those trophies that if you win you brag about it and if you lose, it’s only a pre-season friendly after all.

A comfortable win at Swansea soon followed and that helped to calm the nerves brought on by the meanest fixture list in a generation.

We then took off on a roller coaster ride

where no one seemed sure where the new manager was taking us.

With completely new backroom staff and tactics which seemed to be on just not losing, we felt the first twinges of doubt about the direction United were taking.

Defeats against Liverpool and City were bad enough, but losing at home to West Brom, Stoke, and drawing against Southampton were shocks to the system — we just weren’t used to it.

Nevertheless, there were wins against Liverpool in the Carling Cup and Arsenal in the league to give us hope, plus decent results in Europe including a 5-0 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen which made us start to think everything was going to be alright.

Then came the shock of home defeats to Everton and Newcastle, both results creating unwanted records. These were quickly followed by more — losing to Spurs at home, then being knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle by Swansea, swiftly followed by a mauling away at Chelsea and a dispiriting defeat in the Carling cup semi-final to Sunderland of all teams. Nightmare.

January brought some cheer as new signing, Juan Mata, arrived in a helicopter


THE SEASON2013/14THE SEASON2013/14


the manager and rumours were circulating about players being unhappy. Fans were queuing up to criticize David Moyes on radio phone-ins and this built up to the point where a group of fans paid for the infamous banner to be towed behind a plane and flown around Old Trafford during the game against Aston Villa.

After losing to Munich to go out of Europe, the defeat at Goodison was the straw that broke the camel’s back and David Moyes was sacked. A decent man without doubt, but in the end, not the right man for United at that point in the Club’s history.

When Ryan Giggs took over for the last four games, it felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off the shoulders of the club. The good feeling confirmed by a 4-0 win over Norwich. It wasn’t all perfect though, with three dropped points against

Sunderland at home and two more against Southampton at St Mary’s.

The 2013/14 season didn’t bring many bright spots if I’m honest, but there was the signing of Juan Mata, the emergence of Adnan Januzaj, and it was good to see James Wilson get his debut against Hull with two goals — surely a star of the future.

The champagne moment though was without question Patrice Evra’s goal against Bayern Munich. We were really living there — for about sixty seconds!

So, a new season with a proven trophy-winning manager and some great new players are plenty of reasons to be cheerful so bring on the Scousers and City!

Chas Banks MUDSA Social / Rollin’ Reds

INTRODUCTION 2013/14

but on the pitch there was little respite from the unwanted records as we lost away to Stoke for the first time in Premier League history.

Then came my personal moment of despair, when Fulham equalised in the dying moments of the game at Old Trafford. You could sense the feeling of deflation all round the ground. It really did feel as though a bridge had been crossed and we wouldn’t be coming back from this.

Collectively, I think most fans stopped thinking about whether United could win the league and started to worry about finishing in the top four.

Up to this point, the bulk of the fan base had given David Moyes their full backing both vocally at the games and on the hundreds of fan forums. However, there

were now rumblings and mutterings from some of the fans, with polls appearing everwhere, all asking the same question, “Should Moyes be sacked?”

We managed a creditable draw at The Emirates and a home win against Palace, but then came the ignominy of the away defeat to Olympiakos. It wasn’t the defeat so much as the appalling performance that created the headlines.

Still the club and the bulk of the fans supported David Moyes and were rewarded by the 3-0 win at home against Olympiakos that took United through to a Champions League quarter final. Unfortunately, this result was sandwiched by 3-0 batterings by Liverpool and City. In both games we were lucky to get nil.

By this point the tide began to turn against


THE SEASON2013/14THE SEASON2013/14


For those of you who do not know me, let me start by introducing myself — I’m John Simister and at the 2014 AGM I was elected to the MUDSA Committee in the role of Visually Impaired (VI) Supporters Representative. My daughter, Emma, is visually impaired and has been a MUDSA member since 2005 so I know quite a bit about visual impairment and over the years I’ve got to know a good number of MUDSA members.

As you may have guessed, I’m taking over this role from Nigel Taylor who will be a very tough act to follow as he was an excellent representative. At this point I’m sure you would like to join me In offering thanks to Nigel whose dedication and hard work over the years has been unparalleled. Anyway, enough about me, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of last season.

Well, what a season it was! Not a huge amount to smile about with David Moyes departing before the end of the season meaning that Ryan Giggs had to take over the reins as interim manager. Add to that the unpleasantness of watching our noisy neighbours lift OUR TROPHY and you’ve

got a season to forget. Having said that, our away form was particularly good but too many slip-ups at home made a difficult season impossible!

Being an eternal optimist with a glass always half full, I remained hopeful right up until the last few matches but it wasn’t to be. So here’s hoping that the 2014-15 season will bring totally different results with the appointment of Louis van Gaal as our new manager and Ryan Giggs at his side as his assistant.

OUR WONDERFUl STEWARDS

Every MUDSA member knows that we’ve got a great bunch of stewards! They are always being complimented and on behalf of everyone I would like to say a big thank you, especially to Viv and Sylvia!

So much work goes on behind the scenes to keep the whole operation rolling smoothly and it is thanks to the stewards and Manchester United staff that we are able to share in a factastic experience which is second to none! Suffice to say,

INTRODUCTION VI


BETWEEN THE HEADPHONESBETWEEN THE HEADPHONES


year they diligently record our Annual Information booklet, likewise, every issue of Rollin Red’s and most recently they recorded our landmark book ‘Celebrating 10 years of the Ability Suite’. It’s great that our Visually Impaired supporters have access to these recordings on CDs which arrive straight through our letter boxes — absolutely fantastic!

NEW SEASON 2014/2015

With all United’s new appointments on the bench you can sense the anticipation is building! It’s fair to say that our team over the last few years has been getting ‘geriatric’ in some departments so replacements will have to be found as well

as beefing up other areas like midfield. But will the pre-season matches in America give any indication of what’s to come, given that things won’t really get going until they get back from tour and get their heads down into pre-season training at the AON Training Complex (Carrington) sharpening their teeth ready for action! (Heard that one somewhere recently!)

Finally, if you need any advice or have any problems, you know where to find me on match days but you can contact me anytime using the details on page 55 of this booklet.

John Simister MUDSA VI Rep

INTRODUCTION VI

being a steward anywhere in the stadium isn’t always easy but they keep a watchful eye on the MUDSA members and take excellent care of us with professional pride that is hard to find these days.

MATCHDAy COMMENTARy

The commentary we receive has chopped and changed over the last decade or so. Years ago we started with hospital radio, then it was MU Radio with the ubiquitous Matt Proctor and David Hooton. After that we switched over to commercial radio which members were sometimes unhappy with but luckily the commentary is back in-house again and it’s great! MUTV mastermind the whole operation with

Mark Gyves who is the Chief Electrician of the stadium. It all comes together in one chunk now meaning that we don’t have to listen to any adverts as the commentary is delivered to us ‘touch by touch’. Clearly there’s a huge difference between a good commentary and a bad one. A bad one usually means it isn’t worth going to the game but the commentary we receive really adds to the match day experience — even when the play moves down to the Stretford End!

gAllOWAyS

On behalf of all our Visually Impaired supporters I’d like to say a big thank you to Galloways Society for the blind. Every


BETWEEN THE HEADPHONESBETWEEN THE HEADPHONES


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the tutors were extremely helpful.”

CharlotteStudied: Reflexology

Now: Massage Therapist in Australia

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MUDSA originates from the very first disabled supporters’ Christmas party, back in 1989! Back then it was the only disabled supporters’ organisation of its kind and our thanks go to Lynn Laffin, PA to Sir Alex, for helping us along to where we are today.

Needless to say, the Christmas party for our disabled supporters has become a regular feature and is one of the most over-subscribed events on the MUDSA calendar.

From humble beginnings in what used to be the café to the side of the museum, we have now migrated to the International Suite where we can accommodate approximately 110 people each year.

The main feature of the party is the First Team squad coming down to share the festivities with us — one of the very few occasions when supporters can actually meet their idols face to face, have photographs taken and get their souvenirs signed!

The party usually takes place around lunchtime — just after the players have finished training, so we arrange to have lunch/brunch before they arrive. All eyes are fixed in the direction of the door and our almost resident compère, Mark Jones, ushers them in to a cascade of applause.

The players circulate around the room for about an hour and, occasionally, Sir Alex has

MUDSA EVENTS

come down to join us just to add the cherry on top of the icing on the cake. As the event draws to a close we give an award for the MUDSA Player of the Year which, last year was won by Robin van Persie.

MUDSA Committee members, Ann-Marie Lewis and Chas Banks organise the front and back of house and because of the high demand, applications are filtered scrupulously to ensure fair play. Those who don’t make it one year move up the list for the following year. At present, it works out that members will get every three or four years. IMPORTANT: Members must ensure they apply EVERY year to stay on the list!

Once again, we have a raffle which usually amounts to a signed shirt and a signed ball donated by the MU Foundation. It’s safe to say that this event gives so many of our members a day that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Year after year, members can be seen leaving the party hardly able to believe they’ve just met their heroes and chatted to some of the most famous faces in world football.

Clearly events like this couldn’t happen without the assistance of so many people around the club and our sincere thanks go to all those involved in bringing this event together as it means so much to those who are lucky enough to experience it.


MUDSACHRISTMAS PARTyMUDSACHRISTMAS PARTy


The Annual Dinner is now an established feature of the MUDSA calendar of events and it is also eagerly awaited by everyone at the Club. From very small beginnings with only a hot buffet as the menu, it has now evolved into a much grander affair, providing a fantastic evening’s entertainment for more than 400 guests and a five-course dinner.

Needless to say, this is a United-centric evening boasting an illustrious list of previous speakers that includes Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best,

Denis Law, Nobby Stiles, Paddy Crerand, Alex Stepney, Martin Buchan, Norman Whiteside, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Denis Irwin, Andrew Cole, David May, Gary Neville and David Moyes.

We’ll always invite key figures from the club to join us and we hope to see a few familiar faces. We are also very fortunate to have an MUTV table surrounded by some of the United legends of yesteryear, and most (if not all) seasons we are lucky enough to have a trophy or two to put on display as well!

MUDSA EVENTS

This very affordable event is one of the less formal dinners hosted by the club. No black ties, just lounge suit, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the evening’s entertainment. It all starts with a four-course dinner followed by our guest speaker. The evening is then rounded off with a high-profile stand up comedian guaranteed to raise a laugh and, of course,

the ubiquitous raffle, with many guests leaving with treasured prizes.

As with most of the MUDSA activities, we rely heavily on the largesse and assistance of those around us. Our thanks must therefore go to all of those people engaged in selling raffle tickets and MUDSA merchandise, likewise to Wigwam who always supply the stage and sound equipment, Mark Jones who does a great job as compere for the evening, key personnel within the club and the guys from Catering and Group Property Services.


MUDSAANNUAl DINNER

MUDSAANNUAl DINNER


MUDSA 17th ANNUAl DINNER INVITE

Gordon McQueen, Paddy Crerand and Lou Macari were at the MUTV table for

the 2013 event


Friday 7th November, 2014, is MUDSA’s 17th Annual Dinner and we’ve lined up a very special guest who will be revealed closer to the event.

Previous Annual Dinner special guest speakers have included, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, George Best, Sir Alex Ferguson (twice), Nobby Stiles, Denis Irwin, Norman Whiteside, Alex Stepney, Paddy Crerrand, Martin Buchan, Andrew Cole, Gary Neville, David May and David Moyes.

£30 PER HEAD

FOUR-COURSE MEAl

gRAND RAFFlE lots of great prizes

SPECIAl PRIzE DRAW win a signed ball and shirt

DRESS CODE Lounge Suite

TICKET DETAIlS:To apply for tickets, please send your cheque made payable to ‘MUDSA’ and a stamped self addressed envelope, to: Chas Banks, MUDSA, c/o MU Foundation, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA email: [email protected]

Please advise of any specific dietary requirements or special needs other than wheelchair access when booking tickets.

Please note, all tickets are sold strictly on a first-come first-served basis. This event usually sells out in advance, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

THE MANCHESTER SUITE, OlD TRAFFORD

FRIDAy 7th NOVEMBER 2014: DOORS 7.15PM | DINNER 8PM | lATE BAR

yOU’RE INVITED…yOU’RE INVITED…


Changing young lives through football

When I’m wearing that badge I think there’s nothing I can’t do. Working with young people and using football to help them; there’s nothing more brilliant than that. Joab Westwood, Street Reds coach (former participant and volunteer)

Registered charity no. 1118310

Principal partner of Manchester United Foundation

Manchester United Foundation provides opportunities for young people in disadvantaged areas to participate in sport, learn life skills and gain the qualifications and leadership experience that will ultimately help them into employment.

2013/14 was a record-breaking fundraising season; thank you to all who helped us change the lives of young people in the local community. Here are some examples of what we have achieved in the last 12 months:

youngsters gained recognised qualifications.

registered volunteers

young people worked withacross Greater Manchester.

free football and alternative activities provided in the evenings and weekends in 9 local communities.

257

159 9413,780

8young volunteers gained employment with the Foundation.

Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium is the venue for MUDSA’s main summer event. The get-together usually attracts somewhere in the region of 50-60 people or more and is arranged for the end of July.

In the usual MUDSA style, when we do something we like to do it properly so the charge to members includes a three-course meal, drinks service, complimentary race card with table service and prime spot to watch ‘the MUDSA Derby’! — MUDSA actually sponsors this race and you can

see the winner of the 2014 MUDSA Derby in the photo, right. Tyrur Nina is the name of this hurricane hound and you can see some MUDSA members had the privilege of going down to the track side to share in the delight of the owners.

Keep your eyes on the MUDSA website for news of the event (or contact Ann Marie) which usually takes place on a Friday night with the doors opening at around 6.30 pm. The cost is usually £20 per person or thereabouts which includes parking.

MUDSA EVENTS


MUDSAAT THE DOgSMUDSAAT THE DOgS


MUDSA EVENTS

Predictably the MUDSA trips to the AON Training Centre at Carrington rank highly in the most requested events league!

The morning kicks off with everyone gathering in time for the first team squad training session with the players being put through their paces. That’s enough excitement for some but it gets even better when MUDSA members can mingle with the players, collect autographs and have photos taken.

Part 2 of the day sees our members moving on to the Theatre of Dreams for lunch at the Red Café and following that we move onto the tour of the museum and stadium. A nominal charge is made for the trip which covers the cost of the tour but members are reminded that the cost of lunch in the Red Café is not included but can be paid on the day.

We must emphasise that numbers are strictly limited and that only ONE guest is allowed per member. We operate a waiting list but members shouldn’t be disheartened because everyone will

eventually get their chance to live their dream.

All those wishing to take part should contact Ann-Marie using the contact details in the last page of this booklet.


MUDSACARRINgTON VISIT

MUDSACARRINgTON VISIT


The annual MUDSA Bowling Challenge is an immensely popular event which takes place around late spring each year.

In recent years we’ve congregated at the Parrs Wood Leisure Complex in East Didsbury, Manchester with some very competitive members itching to pick up the trophies!

This now traditional and fun event is a popular one amongst our members, their family and friends and is priced around £6 per person.

After the results have been collated the trophy awards are eagerly awaited with Adult and Junior top spot winners, two Special Achievement Awards and a raffle

MUDSA EVENTS

for those who still desperately want a signed ball or a signed shirt.

This event is usually attended by two of the high flying reserve players and these photos give you an impression of what it was like to be there in 2014.

Suffice to say it’s a full afternoon’s

entertainment so if you want more information just get in touch with Ann Marie and she’ll do the necessary.


MUDSABOWlINg CHAllENgE

MUDSABOWlINg CHAllENgE


MUDSA SOUVENIRS

MEMORy STICKS

CUFFlINKS

lANyARDS

We are committed to offering our members fairly priced products with all the profits going to MUDSA.

Merchandise is available on match days in the Ability Suite and in the quadrants. Merchandise is also available from the club museum.

Badges and lanyards £2.50 Key rings (leather) £3.00 Cufflinks £5.00 Pens (boxed) £3.00 1GB USB memory stick £4.50 SPECIAL OFFER Boxed pen OR leather key ring AND badge £5.00

Merchandise is also available at MUDSA events or by mail order (plus p&p). Contact Ann-Marie or Liz (details on contents page).

BADgES

NEW FOR 2014

KEyRINgS


ClEARANCE ITEMS:All ITEMS BElOW ARE £1 EACH WHIlE STOCKS lAST

MUDSA MERCHANDISEMUDSA MERCHANDISE

PENS


MATCH TICKETINg

HOW TO jOIN MUDSA

Any disabled supporter has to become an official member of ‘MUFC’ (Match Members). Many people ask whether their assistant also needs to become an official member, this isn’t compulsory but MUDSA receives 50% of the membership cost to assist with offering the service we do and producing the calendar of events described earlier in this handbook.

To become a member, call 0161 868 8009 and speak to one of the call centre advisors who will take you through the process step by step. Please have a payment card ready if you have one. After purchasing your membership you will be referred to the MUDSA office to discuss any relevant details about your disability. These will be added to your membership record to ensure that you receive the appropriate ticket for your needs.

2014-15 MEMBERSHIP PRICES UK EIRE & EUROPE** REST OF WORLD***MEMBERSHIP TYPE NEW NEW NEW UNDER 16 £22 £22 £22 16-17 £27 £27 £27 ADULT £32 £32 £32 SENIOR £27 £27 £27 **Memberships purchased from Ireland/Europe are subject to a £5 postal charge. ***Memberships purchased from outside Europe are subject to a £10 postal charge.

yOUR MEMBERSHIP PACK

You should receive your membership pack 2/3 weeks before the start of the season. Delays in receiving membership packs can happen due to the overwhelming number of packs needing distribution. Please call 0161 868 8009 if you are concerned that your membership pack could be lost in the post.

PARKINg FOR DISABlED SUPPORTERS

Manchester United has the most extensive parking provision for disabled persons at any league stadium in the country. For more information, please refer to page 44.


jOININg MUDSAAND APPlyINg FOR TICKETSjOININg MUDSAAND APPlyINg FOR TICKETS


MATCH TICKETINg

This information can also be found on www.mudsa.org and you can also call 0845 230 1989 if you have any problems or queries.

KEy DETAIlS TO NOTE:

Those supporters with disabilities who are unable to use ordinary seating can be considered for use of the disabled supporters facilities around the stadium.

To become a member of MUDSA you firstly need to be an official member of the club. Following the purchase of your membership the MUDSA Team will add the appropriate details relating to your disability to your membership record which will ensure that each time you are in receipt of tickets they will be specified for the location most suited to your needs.

To make the initial purchase of an official membership please call 0161 868 8009. The Call Centre Advisor will take the necessary contact details of each

individual plus payment and then your call will be passed to the MUDSA Team.

If you simply wish to renew your membership, just call 0161 868 8009.

Once the membership process is complete, individual members will be able to make ticket applications on a match by match basis. The application dates are shown on the fixture list produced by MUDSA and is available to download on www.mudsa.org. The fixture list also shows the call centre number to use when making your application.

OTHER WAyS TO APPly:

1) Online: manutd.com/tickets. (Create a log-in account on www.manutd.com using your membership number in the appropriate place)

2) By calling 0161 868 8009, the Call Centre is open 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. Unless a match is being played on a Sunday or

public holidays the Call Centre will be closed. Calls are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

3) If you require special assistance please call MUDSA on 0845 230 1989 who can make an application on your behalf.

For most games ticket applications will open six weeks prior to each fixture and close three weeks before the fixture. However, this is subject to change and details for individual fixtures can be checked by downloading the fixture list provided as a download on the homepage of www.mudsa.org. Supporters will learn the outcome of their application, successful or otherwise, by email or SMS. Alternatively, you can log into your account at www.manutd.com/myaccount or call us on 0161 868 8009 to find out if you have been successful. Successful applicants will receive tickets by post prior to the game.

The ballot process will also determine a 'waiting list' for tickets. It is possible that a limited number of 'unsuccessful'

applicants will be contacted before the game and offered tickets if a successful applicant cancels. Please note that the Club cannot disclose the position of individual members on this list.

All methods of application are equal. No advantage is gained by using any particular method. Equally, the timing of an application will have no bearing on the outcome of the ballot providing it is made within the application window. Please be aware that the re-distribution of cancelled tickets will be determined by the 'waiting list' and there is no advantage to calling either the Club or MUDSA.

Rota members can apply for tickets using the above process for their non-rota games and will be given equal weighting with all other applicants.

If you have any queries about this application procedure please call 0845 230 1989 or take a look at the information on the MUDSA website, www.mudsa.org.


APPlyINg FOR TICKETSAPPlyINg FOR TICKETS


You can apply for ALL the away matches at the beginning of each season if you wish (except matches which are played at a neutral venue i.e. Wembley*). Please use the following procedure to apply for away tickets. Disabled supporters’ tickets to away matches cannot be obtained in any other way. Please note, any applications falling outside of the procedures outlined below may be rejected.

1) For EACH away game you apply for:a) Send a First Class stamped, self-addressed envelope per gameb) Send ALL your applications in ONE large envelope to: MUDSA, c/o MU Foundation Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA

2) If paying by credit/debit card (our preferred method) please include the following information on the inside fold of your envelope so that it cannot be seen when your envelope is returned to you (or slip a note inside):a) The name of the disabled person;b) The membership number;c) The game you are applying for;d) Indicate whether you are a wheelchair user, visually impaired or ambulatory disabled.

Credit/debit card details: If your card details are already known to us (for security purposes) please submit the above with the last four digits on your card or call us with your new card information. If we find any discrepancies we will contact

MATCH TICKETINg

you. Please note there is a 3% surcharge if paying by this method.

3) If paying by cheque please include the following on the back of each cheque:a) The name of the disabled person;b) The membership number;c) The game you are applying for;d) Indicate whether you are a wheelchair user, visually impaired or ambulatory disabled.

Please make your cheque payable to ‘MUFC’ — DO NOT make your cheque payable to MUDSA. Please remember to sign your cheque but don’t complete the date or amount (as we do not know how much tickets are for away games until we receive our allocation).

Away prices can vary from £20-£50. If you have a limit of how much you want to spend, please include this in the details.

n If your application is successful your payment will be processed and the ticket will be sent to you in your SAE together with the relevant information about booking a coach place through our official transport partners, Thomas Cook Sport.n If your application is unsuccessful your cheque (if appropriate) will be posted back to you in your SAE.

*In the event of a Wembley final or European final it is most likely that applications will be handled by the call centre (0161 868 8009) in a way similar to home match applications.


AWAyMATCHESAWAyMATCHES


MATCH TICKETINg

yEllOW CARD (Rota only)

A ‘Yellow Card’ is served to any supporter who fails to attend one of their rota matches without giving notice before or one day after the game. Any person receiving a ‘Yellow Card’ will be informed in writing that they will lose their automatic right to one of their forthcoming rota matches (allowing time for correspondence).

RED CARD (Rota only)

The second time a person on a rota fails to give notice of non-attendance they will be issued a ‘Red Card’ which means being removed from their rota matches for the remainder of the season. They will also forfeit their place on the rota system for the following season but they will not be excluded from coming back onto the rota in future should they qualify to do so.

CARD APPEAlS (Rota only)

Please be advised that we do offer an independent appeals procedure to the Red & Yellow Card sanction. Please be assured that, as most of the MUDSA committee are disabled people themselves, every consideration is given to the special circumstances surrounding disability and a compassionate approach will be taken.

NON ROTA ABSENTEES

Any MUDSA member applying on a match by match basis who is successful in the ballot but then fails to attend without giving notice, will be excluded from the Persistent Applications League for the remainder of the season. As with the ‘Yellow and Red Card’ scenario above, an appeals procedure will be in operation and every consideration will be given to each individual’s circumstances and dealt with in a compassionate manner.

FORFEITS

During the course of a season a very small minority of MUDSA members mistakenly attempt to attend matches which do not appear on their rota list. In view of this it has become necessary to allow anyone making this mistake to choose between;a) Entering the match they have mistakenly attended (only if there is a place available) on the understanding that a match of equivalent status on their rota list would be forfeited, orb) To turn around and go home, keeping their rota matches intact.

Anyone who chooses to forfeit one of their matches as a result as choosing a) (as above) will be notified in writing of the match they are expected to forfeit.


FOR THE BENEFIT OF All…FOR THE BENEFIT OF All…


!www.stretfordend.co.ukTHE OFFICIAL mAnCHEsTEr unITEd sTATIsTICs WEBsITE

The Website of Dreams

www.unitedreview.co.ukTHE OFFICIAL WEBsITE FOr PAsT sEAsOn PrOGrAmmEs

MUDSA expresses its sincere thanks to the author of these websites, Andrew Endlar, who generously

donates funds raised from these sites

WIN CASH PRIzES

Get the 2014-15 season off to a flying start by joining the MUDSA 100 Club for the opportunity to win cash prizes in the monthly draw.

Prize amounts vary depending on how many entrants we have but typical prizes can often range between £65 and £90 per month.

The 100 Club is one of the fund raising activities we undertake each season at MUDSA to provide much needed revenue to support the Association.

Membership costs £18.00 per season, half of which goes into MUDSA funds and the other half goes directly into the prize pot.

Members are allocated a new number each season, starting at 1 and allocated in

the order which applications are received and processed.

As most applications are received over the summer, the competition runs from September to August. Each month a number is chosen at random with the winner receiving a cheque.

Members can buy as many entries as they like but we must stress that overseas entries can only be accepted in GB pounds — please contact Sue Rocca for more info.

To join, either cut out the form below, fill it in and send with a cheque for the full amount, or if you don’t want to spoil your handbook, write your details neetly on a piece of paper and send that with your cheque. Alternatively, you can now sign up online at: www.mudsa.org/100club

I would like to join the MUDSA 100 Club

Name: ........................................................................................ Membership number: ...............................................

Number of 100 Club entries required (£18 each):...............................................................................................

I enclose a cheque for £ .............................................

Send this form with your cheque for the total amount (with your name and membership number on the back of the cheque) to: MUDSA 100 Club, c/o Ticketing and Membership, Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA

MUDSA100 ClUBMUDSA100 ClUB

STADIUM FACIlITIES

PARKINg FOR DISABlED SUPPORTERS

Manchester United has the most extensive parking provision for disabled persons at any league stadium in the country. Those with tickets for the wheelchair platform, both home and away supporters, automatically receive a space in either E1/E2 or W2 (NW Quad only) car parks.

Supplementary accessible parking for disabled persons (Blue Badge Parking) is available to supporters with other disabilities by calling 0161 868 8009 only if you meet the following criteria. The criteria for purchase is, a) you must provide your Blue Badge number, b) you must give the name of issuing authority and, c) the Blue Badge holder must be identified in the vehicle. For further clarification about parking call MUDSA on 0845 230 1989.

lIFT PASSES

Over the next twenty years the average age of the general population is going to increase and probably plateau in approximately 2030. Manchester United has already started

making plans to ensure that fans wanting to remain in their ‘beloved seats’ for as long as possible are given the means to do so, if at all possible.

To this end we offer the facility of a ‘lift pass’ and anyone who feels that they would benefit from a lift pass due to a disability or mobility difficulty should contact MUDSA or email us at [email protected] for further information about how to apply for one of these passes.


DISABlED PARKINg AND lIFT PASSESDISABlED PARKINg AND lIFT PASSES


The MUDSA operation is two tiered. The two tiers combine to enhance the matchday experience of our members and the social events that form part of the MUDSA Events Calendar.

The MUDSA Committee is a team of dedicated volunteers who work together in producing our Annual Dinner, Christmas Party, our magazine (Rollin’ Reds), MUDSA memorabilia and much more including a trip to the dogs and a tenpin-bowling challenge. Full details of MUDSA’s activities are published on our website www.mudsa.org. MUDSA also has an office-based team working to organise the use of the facilities used by supporters with disabilities. These responsibilities extend to some elements of ticketing, membership purchases and a general point of contact for the thousands of telephone calls and emails received every year.

THE ABIlITy TEAM

Manchester United has for many years proudly addressed the issues surrounding the journey sequence of disabled supporters in respect of attending matches. Our aim is to provide an unequalled level of comfort and parity of match day experience for disabled supporters visiting the stadium. Wherever possible we will always aim to enhance the experience.

In order to achieve the above we have a dedicated team of match day stewards, club personnel and MUDSA committee members. Together they are the ‘Ability Team’ and they will always endeavour to make your match day experience second to none.

All together the ‘Holistic Journey Sequence’ approach is capable of producing the best

STADIUM FACIlITIES

match day experience that any disabled supporter could wish for. We can provide parking close to the facilities offered, offer lift passes to those with mobility needs and assistance to anyone with general access needs such as those using crutches. Nearby the main facility in the South East Quadrant we have the benefit of the First Aid room which happens to be directly opposite our Ability Suite which is unique to Manchester United. This operates as a match day lounge for disabled fans and an education and training facility on non-match days.

WHEElCHAIR USERS

Manchester United has the most highly regarded all-round matchday experience to offer any disabled supporter. 120 wheelchair places are situated in three separate locations around the stadium. In

the South East quadrant, the North East quadrant and the North West quadrant. Every wheelchair place is provided with an adjacent assistant’s seat and an elevated view of the pitch. A parking space is also provided.

The general access wheelchair places, as described above are allocated as follows:

n season pass holders (currently subscribed to capacity);

n rota group members (three rota groups in all);

n approx. 30% of our total availability is given to match by match applications from MUDSA members;

n 10-15% to the visiting club (in line with competition rules).

In addition to our ‘general access’ wheelchair places described above,


MATCHDAyFACIlITIESMATCHDAyFACIlITIES


Manchester United has a significant number of accessible executive facilities. The modernisation of executive boxes has introduced further wheelchair places (one per box) with exterior viewing positions. Altogether Manchester United now has a total of 209 wheelchair spaces.

VISUAlly IMPAIRED SUPPORTERS

Manchester United offer 20 places for visually impaired (VI) supporters and their personal assistants (40 seats). Two or three of the 20 places are made available to each visiting club depending on which competition rules apply i.e., Premier League or Cup games.

Commentary headsets are provided. The ‘audio description’ quality commentary is provided by MUTV as part of their simulcast to the club website. The equipment is distributed by our stewards

dedicated to this area as each person arrives. Manchester United also has a unique facility which allows individual VI supporters to bring along their own hand-held LCD monitor which can be connected to the inputs beneath each seat. Any person wishing to bring their own monitor is welcome to do so but does so at their own risk.

Manchester United provides the main extracts of each matchday programme on an audio CD.

ASSISTANCE DOgS

Manchester United welcomes any disabled person using an assistance dog. In keeping with GDBA/Assistance Dogs guidelines, we request advanced notification if you intend coming to a match with your dog. We would ask each owner to consider all the implications of attending such a large stadium in respect of ensuring the safety,

STADIUM FACIlITIES

comfort and well-being of their dog. Please ensure your dog is familiar with the immediate area around the stadium in the interests of everyone’s safety.

EASy ACCESS AND AMBUlATORy DISABlED SEATINg

Easy Access seating is provided to MUDSA members who have moderate mobility difficulties/learning disabilities or those assessed as being unable to sit anywhere else in the stadium. This seating is situated in the area around the main wheelchair platform in the South East Quadrant of the stadium. In total we provide approximately 90+ seats in this area and, in addition, we have the facility to identify ‘end of row’ seating and also seats adjacent to the ‘vomitory areas’ (where the steps enter the seating bowl).

Ambulatory disabled supporters seating

is also located in the South East Quadrant of the stadium. This facility is unique to Manchester United offering extra leg room and multiple grab rails for those with severe mobility difficulties. These enhanced amenity seats can only be applied for by MUDSA members whose needs have been assessed as appropriate for this area.

HEARINg IMPAIRED

Induction loop facilities are available at all customer contact points. Any requirement for induction loops in any of the functions rooms/suites at the stadium are provided on request. Our call centre staff are trained in using the ‘text relay service’ which we will happily advise members of on request.

Those with hearing impairments would probably like to be aware that Manchester United has signed a pledge to support deaf people in all areas of the club’s activities.




OTHER DISABIlITIES

Manchester United recognises there is a multitude of other disabilities and the spectrum of people regarded as disabled under the DDA 1995/Equality Act 2010 is even broader in definition than one would imagine. In most circumstances the people that fall outside of the categories already mentioned above would be able to sit in an ordinary stand seat and apply for tickets in the usual way. We ask those individuals to continue using the ordinary application procedures in an effort to ensure the most appropriate use is made of the facilities we have. If you would like further clarification about this particular group of disabled supporters, please contact the MUDSA Secretary/Disability Liaison Officer.

BlUE BADgE PARKINg

Manchester United has the highest number of Blue Badge parking bays

available in comparison to any other club in the country and the available number has just been expanded.

Any disabled supporter/supporter with mobility difficulties can call 0161 868 8009 to book any of these parking bays providing they are Blue Badge holders but please be aware that demand for these bays is high and gets higher every season. Blue Badge accessible bays are charged for at the standard car-parking rate at Old Trafford and each individual’s Blue Badge number must be provided, together with the name of the issuing authority. Non-Blue Badge holders may be able to purchase this category of parking in some circumstances. Please contact the MUDSA Secretary/Disability Liaison Officer with any queries 0845 230 1989.

lIFT PASSES

Over the next twenty years the average

STADIUM FACIlITIES

age of the general population is going to increase (i.e., over half the population will be 50 years or over) and probably plateau in approximately 2030. Manchester United has already started making plans to ensure that fans wanting to remain in their ‘beloved seats’ for as long as possible are given the means to do so. To this end we offer the facility of a ‘lift pass’ and anyone who feels that they would benefit from a lift pass due to a disability or mobility difficulty should contact MUDSA for further information about how to apply for one of these passes.

ADAPTED TRANSPORT

The official travel partner of Manchester United, Thomas Cook Sport, has a number of accessible coaches capable of taking our disabled supporters to away games, including our disabled supporters who need to remain in their wheelchairs whilst travelling. Any disabled supporter

receiving tickets to our away games will automatically be provided with information needed to book their place on a coach.

DEMAND FOR USE OF FACIlITIES

Manchester United tickets are in huge demand regardless of which part of the stadium you are referring to and the disabled supporters’ facilities are no exception. We believe it is hugely important that we make the best use of these facilities.

In view of the above and to ensure the maximum usage of the facilities available, it has been necessary to introduce the sanctions listed on page 40. It is important for every member to acquaint themselves with the sanctions and hopefully avoid falling foul of them. Again, this is only done with the purpose of maintaining the best possible use of the facilities we offer.

2014/15 MUDSA MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 51 50 MUDSA MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 2014/15


STADIUM FACIlITIES

MUSEUM

The award winning Manchester United Museum relives the clubs triumphs, tragedies and trophies. Follow the history of the club from our foundation as Newton Heath in 1878, right through to the Manchester United known and loved by millions of fans today. The museum is regularly updated with new memorabilia.Call: 0161 868 8000 (option 3) Email: [email protected] Visit: www.manutd.com/museumPLEASE NOTE THAT TOURS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON MATCH DAYS AND THE MUSEUM OPENING TIMES MAY VARY.

MEgASTORE

No visit to Old Trafford would be complete without a trip to the Club’s Megastore, to treat yourself to a piece of official Manchester United merchandise. There is a fantastic range of items to choose from for all the family. Definitely another great season in store!For further information call: 0161 868 8567PLEASE NOTE THAT ON MATCH DAYS THE MEGASTORE OPENING TIMES MAY VARY.

RED CAFÉ

Open to the public on every non-match day, the Red Café is the ideal place to get your fill of your favourite team whilst enjoying a drink or bar snack in the newly refurbished bar area, or a delicious meal from our extensive menu. Whether it’s a quick visit or a treat for a special occasion you’ll find a great choice in the Red Café.The Red Café is open 9am - 4.30pmFood is available at the following times: Breakfast menu: 9am-11am Restaurant menu: 11am-4pmThe Red Café is located on level 3 of the North Stand, Old Trafford. For more details or to book call: 0161 868 8303 or visit www.manutd.com


WHAT’S ON AT OlD TRAFFORD WHAT’S ON AT OlD TRAFFORD


PHIl DOWNS, MBE

SECRETARy/DISABIlITy lIASON OFFICERMUDSA, c/o Ticketing & Membership, Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RAT: 0845 230 1989E: [email protected]

SUE ROCCA

TREASURER113 Darley Avenue, Chorlton,Manchester, M21 7QRT: 0161 861 9454E: [email protected]

CHAS BANKS

SOCIAlMUDSA, c/o Ticketing & Membership, Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RAT: 0161 610 8200E: [email protected]

ASHlEIgH DAVISON

CUSTOMER RElATIONS ExECUTIVEMUDSA, c/o Ticketing & Membership, Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RAT: 0845 230 1989E: [email protected]

ANN-MARIE lEWIS

EVENTS & MERCHANDISE17 Bala Avenue, Greenfield, Flintshire, CH8 7HDT: 01352 715794E: [email protected]

lIz EDWARDS

qUAD REP & MERCHANDISE37 Ashburn Way, Mill Gardens,Wrexham, LL13 0YYT: 01978 264822E: [email protected]

MUDSA CONTACTS

jOHN SIMISTER

VI REPRESENTATIVEMUDSA, c/o Ticketing & Membership, Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RAT: 07521 863737E: [email protected]

jAMIE lEEMINg

EDITOR/PRODUCTION1 Althorpe Drive,Southport, PR8 6HST: 07590 406669E: [email protected]

DES TURNER

EDITORIAl ASSISTANT2 Cae Bryn, Garth,Llangollen, LL20 7DQT: 01978 810528E: [email protected]


MUDSA CONTACTSMUDSA CONTACTS


qUICK CONTACTS

www.mudsa.org

0845 230 1989

[email protected]

facebook.com/MUDSA.official

@MUDSAofficial

MUDSA · Louis van Gaal somehow found the time to acquire the services of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw. Many people thought that this couldn’t happen because of his commitments in

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