Tranmere Rovers recently launched an autism awareness initiative at Prenton Park for the 2019/20 season.
With new Sky Bet League One campaign kicking-off, sensory packs are being distributed to supporters who require them.
Enclosed within the sensory packs, fans can find earplugs, caps and other sensory toys all contained within an easy to carry bag. These Sensory Packs have all been made possible thanks to funding from the Lee Knight Foundation and Tranmere Rovers’ Disabled Supporters Association.
Supporters can also access a quiet room facility in the Argyle Satellite Taxis Kop Stand. The room can be used by anyone who needs a moment to themselves during the 90 minutes. From the Quiet Room, fans can decide if they’d like to retake their seats or leave the ground.
Meanwhile, alongside the sensory packs, the SLOs also offer fans a ‘Familiarisation Walk Around’ on non-match days. Fans can be shown around Prenton Park to gather an understanding of what to expect on a TRFC matchday.
Louise Formston, SLO at Tranmere Rovers, explained how the autism awareness initiative at the Club can help fans who may require its services.
She said: “We can aid anyone with sensory issues to get through the match if they find that the noise is too much from the crowd or the goal music and these things can work as an added distraction to calm any issues.
“Every football fans dream is sharing the rollercoaster ride of supporting their favourite team with their children. We’re making that dream a reality for families who thought it would never be a possibility and creating a new generation of Tranmere Rovers fans.
“The quiet room is actually the old reception which we have repurposed, it is a work in progress, but it serves as a purpose. It can be accessed by anyone and anyone who wants access to it can speak to a steward or an SLO.
“We want Tranmere Rovers to be accessible and inclusive for everyone wanting to come here to visit Prenton Park.”
Andy Forster’s son Ethan Gartside, who uses the facility added: “It gets him out in the community. Football matches aren’t the easiest places, they are really crowded, and it is a really big help to him to integrate him into society and do what the community does which is go to football matches.”
To find out more about TRFC’s autism awareness initiative, you can contact our Match Day SLO’s via their social media, @TRFCSLO, or a steward.