Arsenal's Commitment to Inclusive Football Experience
Arsenal Football Club is pioneering efforts to ensure that disabled supporters enjoy a seamless and engaging matchday experience. Through partnerships with organizations like Game Day Vision and Alan March Sport, the club provides specialized services that cater to fans with visual, hearing, and physical disabilities. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the Premier League, where clubs collaborate off the field to promote inclusivity.
Personal Stories of Accessibility
Thomas Clements, an Arsenal fan born with cerebral palsy, recalls his first trip to Highbury in 1995 with fondness. Sitting on his father's shoulders in the North Bank, he witnessed Ian Wright score against QPR. Today, Clements uses a mobility scooter and appreciates the club's efforts to make matchdays accessible. "Without these little extra touches, the matchday experience wouldn't be what it is," he says, highlighting how Arsenal assists with everything from travel to stadium entry.
Andrew Birch, founder of Game Day Vision, conceived the idea after attending a concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Noting challenges in access for visually impaired individuals, he launched a service that now supports fans at Arsenal, West Ham, Colchester, Ipswich, and Crystal Palace. Game Day Vision offers personalized assistance, from home or station pickups, ensuring that disabled fans can attend events safely and comfortably.
Specialized Commentary and Support Services
Daniel Bailey, chair of the Arsenal Disabled Supporters' Association, praises the club's partnership with Alan March Sport, which provides audio commentary tailored for blind and visually impaired fans. "They're a little bit more descriptive," Bailey notes, comparing it to mainstream radio. This service, delivered by volunteers like Manus Bonner-Tymms, focuses on granular details, prioritizing player movements over ball tracking.
Arsenal's disability access manager, Aaron Heskins, emphasizes a collaborative approach with other Premier League clubs. "We compete on the field but not off it," he says, referring to biannual meetings where teams share ideas for improvement. Innovations at the Emirates include British Sign Language integration on pitchside shows, tactile guidance pathways, and hearing loops on concourses for deaf fans.
Broader Impact and Future Directions
The club's efforts extend beyond individual services, creating a holistic environment where disabled fans feel valued. Clements sums it up: "You are different, but you are the same." Arsenal's initiatives, such as an audio-only matchday program and Bluetooth connectivity for cochlear implants, demonstrate a commitment to continuous enhancement. As more clubs adopt similar practices, the football community moves toward greater accessibility and inclusivity for all supporters.
