Etihad Stadium’s initiative for kids with sensory issues

Article posted by Coliseum, November 18^th, 2019

Image: Manchester City

Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, now prides itself on a new sensory room for children with sensory processing issues. This room will provide a serene ambience to children during game days.

An announcement in this regard was made by the English Premiership soccer club. Following a trial during the team’s first four home games this season the space will be officially opened on October 26 against Aston Villa.

The sensory room, which sits in the North East corner of the arena, will give reasons to families to attend games. The room has been built and tailored to meet the needs of children with sensory processing issues – an inclusive environment equipped with interactive lighting installations, bubble machines, soft play items and tactile walls to enable children to enjoy to the hilt.

The room also offers unhindered view of the pitch, creating a safe and comfortable environment to watch the game, with optional, additional seating in the stadium bowl also available for those who want to watch the match in the midst of the crowd.

“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 match day,” he further stated.

“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,” he shared.

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