Phil Downs has a special place in the history of Manchester United Football Club. For the best part of three decades, it was under Phil's stewardship that MUDSA - the world's oldest Disabled Supporters Association - set a Gold Standard for making Old Trafford accessible to all.
Phil Downs has dedicated most of his life to helping people with disability . . . and his work at Manchester United began more than 30 years ago
Phil was also co-founder of the Level Playing Field charity . . . and his pioneering work was recognised when he was awarded the MBE by the Queen in 2004.
More than a decade later, representing Manchester United, Phil was a keynote speaker at the world's first international symposium on Disability and Football at Barcelona's Camp Nou. - in May 2015
The following year he finally stepped down as Disability Liasion Officer at the Theatre of Dreams - in August 2016 - 27 years after starting out as the Founder of MUDSA in 1989.
In November 2016 a documentary by filmmaker John Gubba that highlighted Phil's leadership of MUDSA was RTS nominated.
A few months later, Manchester United announced their ultimate accolade when the club re-named part of the stadium after the Founder of MUDSA. The Phil Downs Ability Suite is truly a unique honour. Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion in recognition of 27 years in pursuit of excellence.
SIR ALEX FERGUSON: "The work you've done Phil has been fantastic. 27 years. I know what it feels 27 years. I'm delighted to be here and congratulations. You deserve it. Well done. Thank you."
DAVID GILL:"I met Phil when I first came to the club in 97 . . .
I also got to know Phil through the Fans Forum. Phil was a standing member of the fans forum and had a lot of good ideas
and the hours he put in he deserves a medal just for that.
For me Phil's not only been a great friend but he's been a great friend for Manchester United. It's been a privilege to know you and I've known you for many years. Thank you."
RICHARD ARNOLD: "When we're not getting something quite right you can rely on him telling you directly that you were being an idiot and what yiou were getting wrong and that is invaluable."
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