ABOUT | CADSA

ABOUT CADSA

Welcome to the Charlton Athletic Disabled Supporters Association (CADSA). Our aim is to provide help and support for disabled fans attending matches.

Meet Our Committee

Our committee meet regularly to discuss issues with accessibility, plan events and liaise with CAFC.

Tony Garrett

CADSA Chairman

I first became a Charlton fan when I used to go to Charlton Disabled School just up the road from the Valley, and it all started when I got Theo Foley and a few players to come up one day for a kick around and meet us youngsters. I would have been 14/15 and that’s when my introduction to Charlton started.

I was looking through an old programme, that was kept for a good reason, from 26th November 1978 when we played Fulham. There was an article in it when we built the first ever wheelchair platform at The Valley and probably in the country. Ironically located in the NW Quadrant corner, where I currently sit, 47 years ago!!!

CADSA had a mobility coach (first of its time in the country) where disabled/able bodied fans travelled to away games, we even did a piece on BBC's Football Focus on an away trip Derby County. Looking back I think CADSA is in its 26th year and am proud to have been involved for the majority of that time

Ken Burnett

CADSA Vice Chairman

I am disabled due to Polio at the age of 2, I have been ambient since then until 2020, when I became a wheelchair user.

I have been a sports reporter since 1970, and an interviewer, commentator and cameraman for nearly 50 years. I have provided various features for main sports channels including ITV, Sky, BBC, TSN Sport, BT Sport, Eurosport, Motors TV and others, as well as having my own weekly programme on TV12 and Solent TV. As well as providing footage and reports for ITV for the last 39 years, I have also filmed and provided footage to Charlton since 2009 when I became a member of the media team at the Valley.

My first visit to Charlton was 12th January 1974, and have followed them since. I really got involved with Charlton at the end of 1999 and have been a regular since, only missing a handful of matches.

I joined CADSA as a member in 2000 and became Vice Chairman in 2023.

Alan Buhl

CADSA Secretary & Treasurer

I became Treasurer of CADSA in 2010 and Secretary in 2023.

I am a member of Valley Gold and CAST (Charlton Athletic Supporters Trust). I have been a supporter of Charlton since 1967 and currently sit in the West Stand Upper Block Q.

Rod Gough

CADSA Committee Member

Hello I’m Rod and I have been back on the CADSA committee since 2021 after losing my disabled wife. I originally was on the committee back in the early 2000s and served in a few positions including Vice Chair.

I sit in the NW quad and have been bringing my grandson to the home matches and recently we experienced his first away match at Ipswich!

CADSA has a very important role for Charlton disabled supporters working with the club on all aspects of disability issues, parking ,ticketing and travel. I look forward to continuing working for all our disabled fans .

Steve Ashenden

CADSA Committee Member

Hi I'm Steve, I am 64 years old, married with 2 Sons, a granddaughter and newly born Grandson, soon to be a Junior Red.

I have been disabled for 4 years; I am a wheelchair user following a spinal abscess.

I have had a season ticket for 50 years, my oldest son for 25 years and granddaughter for 9 years.

I sit in the NE Quadrant disabled section and when successful via the parking block ballot have a parking space in the Lansdown Mews car park. I joined the CASDA committee a year ago. It’s important that we work together to improve the matchday experience for our disabled fans.

Stella Amor

CADSA Committee Member

I have been football crazy since 6 years old, but I could never really attend the games and coincidentally the first away game that I saw was for Liverpool against Charlton. My son introduced me to the Valley a few years ago and I loved it. The atmosphere, community and fan base are all so welcoming and special and I have had my season ticket for 2 years now.

I live in East London with husband, 2 kids, and 2 dogs. I am on oxygen 24/7 and have limited mobility due to limited lung capacity and other issues following a 5 month spend in ICU.

By profession I have worked in luxury hospitality and services for over 30 years and the last 4 years specialising in inclusion. I am qualified in Human Resources, Hotel Management, counselling/trauma career coaching, Diversity & Inclusion and I am a member of CIPD and Fellow of the Institute of Equality & Diversity Practitioners.

In my spare time, I am a trustee for ICUsteps charity supporting patients and loved ones post ICU recovery.

Kirsty Burnett

Website & Social Media Maintenance

Our Website and Social Media are maintained by Kirsty - If you feel we could improve our accessibility for fans please contact her to say what you need - Kirstyb93@hotmail.co.uk!

Constitution 22/10/2025.pdf

CADSA Constitution

As a supporters group for Charlton Athletic we are required to have a Constitution of guidelines and policies for our members. These set out what CADSA is expected to do and the objectives of the organisation.

Should you wish to read the CADSA Constitution please click the PDF icon to open.

Programme Article from 1978 vs Fulham of new Disabled Area

History of Disabled Fans at The Valley:

Our Chairman Tony Garrett with Maintenance Engineer Vic Worrall at the Valley in the Match Day Programme of Saturday 26th November 1978 vs Fulham in the first ever wheelchair platform at the home ground funded by director Mr F.W. Boswell.