English Premier League champion Manchester City FC has opened a sensory room for young fans at its Etihad Stadium.
Situated in the North-East corner of the stadium, the space has been specially designed to allow children with sensory processing issues to attend matches.
The sensory room offers a full, unrestricted view of the pitch, creating a safe and controlled environment to watch the game, with optional, additional seating in the stadium bowl also available for those who want to spend time experiencing the match in the crowd.
The dedicated sensory space will be in use throughout the season on matchdays – and on non-matchdays by the club's charity City in the Community.
Manchester City becomes the latest Premier League club to open a sensory room.
The first one opened at Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light in 2015, after the co-founder of the Shippey Campaign, Kate Shippey, experienced difficulties taking her autistic child to Premier League football.
After a year’s research, the Nathan Shippey Sensory Room was established, so that up to three fans can enjoy the match from a peaceful place with full view of the pitch.
The Premier League has since opened a specialist fund – the BT Disability Programme – from which clubs can bid for money to create specific areas in their stadiums for supporters with sensory difficulties
"After a period of successful trials we are delighted to open a sensory room at the Etihad Stadium," said Danny Wilson, operations director at Manchester City.
“The positive feedback we received means we know that this is a space which will help those with sensory processing issues enjoy their experience without the sometimes-overwhelming sounds, sights and crowds of a usual matchday.
"Opening this space is a big step for us to continue our long-standing mission of ensuring football is inclusive for all.
“We hope that the offer of this quiet space within the stadium will encourage those who might not usually attend a game to do so, knowing that the Club will be with them every step of the way to ensure they can be a part of the matchday experience.”
To find out more about the sensory room,
click here.
