After Saturday's match against Newcastle, a book signing will take place in the Armoury – with special guests – for a new publication from Arsenal author Dave Seager.
His book, Arsenal For Everyone, profiles some of the club's many disabled supporters and their relationship with us.
“I wanted to embrace something worthy and watching my friend, Alex Brooker, talking about his life with his disabilities and his relationship with Arsenal proved a spark,” says Dave.
“My outlook on life and football felt different after losing my son and exploring the support of fellow fans whose support was framed differently seemed perfect.
Arsenal for Everyone author Dave Seager with his son Liam
“Initially, I felt I would need to blend everyday fans with ‘celebrity’ fans to give the project more profile,” continues Dave. “But I soon realised it was more about the stories of true Arsenal-mad disabled supporters.
"I already knew Keryn Seal, the ex-GB Blind Football captain, and many disabled fans I liaised with on Twitter, but it was the Arsenal Disabled Supporters Association who proved the initial spring board. They loved the concept and asked for volunteers in their members newsletter.”
Arsenal Disability Access Officer Alun Francis, with Caroline Lemmon and Jacquie Pollard
For Dave, piecing the book together has been a fabulous experience.
“The words humbling and rewarding spring to mind," he said. "What has been particularly rewarding was involving the club directly in two chapters and ultimately with them backing the book wholeheartedly.”
Dave’s hoping that his book can influence attitudes of some of those who read it. “I’m enormously proud of the book, my club and I’m in awe of all the fans involved, who overcome adversity and their disability or condition to support their team.
Comedian and Arsenal fan Alex Brooker, who wrote the introduction for Arsenal for Everyone
"Mostly I hope that in reading the book folk will perhaps take a step back and think of those less fortunate than themselves and think twice before moaning and feeling angry about their team.
"I know I appreciate everything I have more than I did before I began the process. In short, we all love our team and want them to do well but football and support is about so much more than the result each Saturday.”
Wayne Busbridge at the 2019 Europa League final in Baku
As well as being available at the Armoury on Saturday and Arsenal Direct, you can also order Dave’s book from legendspublishing.net.
Dave is donating £1 from each sale to Panathlon, a charity that gives thousands of young people with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to take part in competitive sport.
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