A new sensory room has made it easier for special needs families to take children to football games.
Children with sensory processing issues often struggle in loud, crowded environments, so for many, a busy football game would have been off limits.
But now the special space at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium has made it possible for young fans to watch their team play.
Situated in the north east corner of the stadium, it offers a full, unrestricted view of the pitch, creating 'a safe and controlled environment to watch the game'.
And for those who do want to spend a little time experiencing the match crowd, there's also some optional, additional seating available in the stadium bowl.
The room will officially open on October 26 for the home game against Aston Villa and will be used throughout the season both on match days and for City in the Community sessions.
But it's already been road-tested by relevant families during the first four home games of the season and was given a big thumbs up.
"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 match day experience.”
Families who are eligible to use the space will be able to visit the room before attending a game to assess its suitability for their child.
To find out more you can call 0161 444 1894 (option 1, option 2, option 2) to speak to a member of the access team, or see the website for more details.
