Match day access boost for disabled football fans

A group supporting disabled football fans has been working to make matches more inclusive and accessible. The Coventry City Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) partnered with the club three seasons ago , and since then a range of initiatives have been introduced, including audio‑description commentary for blind and partially sighted fans. "Our aim is to support more and more fans to access games and just be able to support their Sky Blues with everybody else," chair Simone Seth told BBC CWR.

The association also helps fans with transport to and from the stadium and supports those who find match days challenging due to sensory or cognitive needs. Dave Shephard and Simone Seth say they want to improve the experience for disabled fans [BBC] Committee member Dave Shephard shared how the club embraced his involvement in a "sensory room", which he originally ran alone. He said: "Our sensory room started off four years ago.

I was doing it on my own, then I lost my sight a couple of years ago and the club were very receptive to me staying on. Most recently, the DSA launched sensory packs at the 21 March home game, designed to support neurodivergent children who may struggle with the intensity of match days. The kits include ear defenders, fidget toys, a stress ball and lanyards featuring emotional thermometers for non‑verbal children.

"I love it — I don't get paid for it. I wanted to get involved with the DSA to try and make that experience better because we get a varied spectrum of kids and adults with disabilities coming in, and I want to give our families a much better experience," Shephard aid. The group started working with the club three seasons ago [Coventry City Disabled Supporters Association] One family of four — all committed Sky Blues fans — turned to the DSA after feeling unable to attend matches because their daughter had special educational needs.