This Friday’s Sky Bet League Two fixture between Salford City and Sutton United will be an Autism Awareness Match Day, ahead of World Autism Awareness Day on Tuesday 2nd April.
To celebrate we have collaborated with Foundation 92 to develop a bespoke match day experience that is more empathetic for individuals with autism.
A sanctuary room will be open at The Peninsula Stadium throughout the day which will provide a space away from the crowds, and have fun activities to enjoy whilst in the room.
Sensory bags have been created for individuals who need them on match days thanks to funding from the Premier League Fans Fund, and include fidget toys; stress balls; a sunflower lanyard; sunflower seeds and plant pots to decorate; colouring books and more.
Salford City ear defenders will also be available to purchase from the club shop on Moor Lane from Friday.
Director of People and Culture at Salford City, Hannah Bermudez, said:
“The club and the Foundation are both passionate about using football as a platform to achieve true acceptance.
“Throughout the week we are focusing on sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, as part of World Autism Awareness Day 2024.
“The aim of this week is to help supporters and staff understand the challenges faced by people with autism, and help to create an environment where they are fully supported and championed. We have already started this by providing additional training for staff, and setting activities for our Academy players to complete to increase their understanding of autism.
“People with autism face discrimination and barriers across all sectors of society and we want to show our support to help overcome those barriers and use our voice to champion inclusivity, along with doing what we can to make watching Salford enjoyable for everyone.”