Watford Football Club has opened a sensory room overlooking its pitch. And every other Premier League club is set to follow.
The Watford sensory room will enable children with learning difficulties to enjoy football matches in a safe environment. The club created it as one of a series of measures to improve disability access and facilities.
Perfect for the pitch: the sensory room at Watford FC
The room features a comfortably furnished viewing area, with an excellent view of the action.
Calming area
There is also a calming area. It features a bubble tube, fibre-optic carpet, soft seating, wall projectors and a glitter-ball with colour wheel.
In addition, the room incorporates a Bluetooth speaker system. This enables visitors to choose their own music if the game becomes too noisy or distressing for their child.
Staff with training and a background in working with children on the autism spectrum will assist visitors.
Experia, the sensory equipment company, designed and installed the room. The company finished in time for the room’s first visitors to see Watford beat Everton 3-2.
‘Incredibly impressed’
Theo Canter and his family were the first fans to use the room when they watched Watford’s match against Everton. Theo, the six year-old son of season ticket holder Andrew, had previously been unable to enjoy matches with his Dad and older sister Ruby.
Andrew said: “We are so delighted that the Watford FC sensory room is now a reality. We have been incredibly impressed by the club’s receptiveness and dedication in ensuring these facilities have been made available. The sensory room will make a huge difference to Theo and we look forward to coming along to more matches.”
Local special schools helped in the design phase of the project. Watford FC will invite them to attend matches. It also hopes that Watford fans who are currently unable to bring children because of their needs will be able to benefit.
Premier League partnership
Gareth Jones, founder of Experia, said: “I am very pleased to be announcing the first in a series of new sensory rooms that will be installed at Premier League football clubs across the country before the end of the year. The initiative is a result of our partnership with the Premier League Charitable Fund, the Lord’s Taverners, the Shippey Campaign and BT Sport.”
Dave Messenger, Watford FC Supporter Liaison Officer, said: “Watford FC prides itself on having a proud family tradition and the sensory room is an important part in ensuring that our supporters have access to the latest facilities.”
Published: 16 January 2017
