Saturday’s fixture against Colchester United at Rodney Parade will see Newport County proudly support the Unite For Access campaign, led by Level Playing Field. This year’s campaign highlights supporters who have become disabled later in life.
Ahead of the match, we would like to share the story of lifelong County supporter Steve Smith, and the journey that led him back to watching the club he loves.
Steve has followed Newport County since 1979. Like many fans, matchdays were a regular part of his life, standing on the terraces with friends and sharing the highs and lows that come with supporting the Exiles.
But on March 6, 2003, everything changed.
“I was able-bodied up until that day,” Steve explained. “I was involved in a three-car pile-up and my car was the one in the middle. The impact crushed the car so badly that the boot was above my head and the seat back had snapped from the force.”
Initially diagnosed with whiplash and discharged from hospital, Steve’s condition quickly worsened.
“Three days later I was paralysed down my right-hand side. It turned out my neck had been dislocated in the crash. Further tests also showed I had damaged several discs in my lower spine and burst two of them, as well as nerve damage to my neuromotor system.”
What followed were years of treatment and spinal surgery as Steve attempted to rebuild his life.
Despite his lifelong love of football, returning to Rodney Parade felt daunting.
“I desperately wanted to return to watching Newport County,” he said. “But I always made excuses about why I couldn’t go. In reality, I was worried. I had always stood on the terraces with my friends and I knew that wouldn’t be possible anymore.”
For many supporters who become disabled later in life, returning to football can feel like a big step, something Steve’s story reflects.
“When you become a disabled fan, you’re often told where you can watch the match rather than choosing where you’d like to be. You still see old friends around the ground, but things are different.”
However, Steve also discovered a new community through football.
“I’ve made some new friends for life through the disabled supporters’ group. Sadly, we’ve also lost some good friends along the way who lost their battles related to their disabilities.”
Over time, Steve says the experience of attending matches has improved and the support network around disabled supporters has grown stronger.
“What I’m trying to say is that things are now different, and in a good way.”
Through campaigns like Unite For Access, the aim is to highlight stories like Steve’s and encourage anyone facing similar challenges to know they are not alone.
“This is the first time I’ve shared my experiences publicly,” Steve said. “But if it helps someone else realise that anything is possible, then it’s worth it.”
Steve is also keen to encourage any disabled supporters who may be thinking about returning to Rodney Parade to reach out for support.
“If you know someone who is disabled and would like help returning to watch the mighty County, tell them to contact one of the Disabled Supporters Association members or the club’s Disability Liaison Officer, Robert Parsons.”
Saturday’s match is an opportunity to celebrate inclusion and ensure football remains accessible for all supporters, something that remains at the heart of the club and the County community.
Because football is for everyone. And at Newport County, everyone belongs.
