Swindon Town issue over 200 sensory packs to young supporters with autism

Swindon Town partnered with First City Care Group and the club’s Supporters Trust back in March 2021 to launch the sensory packs, which have now been issued to over 200 young supporters.

The packs, which are offered completely free of charge by the football club, include a lanyard, fidget spinner, ear defenders, stress ball, and a pop-it tray inside a branded drawstring bag.

They have been designed to improve the matchday experience for young people who struggle to stay calm and focus on tasks and are part of both the club and the Trust’s commitment to making STFC more accessible, comfortable, and friendly to all.

The idea was officially implemented at Swindon’s home game against Oldham Athletic last season with the packs available for collection from the club shop, with supporters able to reserve theirs beforehand, and they proved a huge success.

Fans have been able to pick them up from the club shop at different times throughout this season and last, and the club has now given away more than 200.

Swindon Town Disability Liaison Officer, Caroline Lane, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to offer these packs to so many families and young people who need them.

“They’ve proved popular, and the initiative has really transformed the matchday experience for many children who may have found the football environment anxious or stressful.

“Through these simple steps, and with help from First City and the STFC Supporters Trust, we’ve been able to ensure that everybody can come to the stadium and embrace the game of football whenever they want.”

The club has more plans to make the club more accessible in the future and plan to provide more packs moving forward, with several still available now.

Alongside issuing the sensory packs, the club also enabled fans with autism to access The County Ground via the disabled access points to ease the stresses the football environment can bring, and this will continue moving forward.

If you’d like to collect a sensory pack, simply head to main reception at The County Ground where we’ll be happy to assist.