Great move by the club this imo. Sunderland AFC have become the first Barclays Premier League club to build a designated sensory room for supporters who are affected by the noise levels of the stadium seating areas. The Nathan Shippey Sensory Room, named after a young supporter who has helped develop the first-of-its-kind project, was constructed in the Black Cats Bar during the summer and is now available for Sunderland supporters. The idea was created after Peter Shippey, Nathan's father, purchased two season cards in the Black Cats Bar. His son Nathan suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder, and after taking his seats for his first game the youngster struggled to deal with the crowd noise, despite trying a number of options already available within the arena. "Nathan's first game was in May 2014 when Sunderland played West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light," said Peter. "He was desperate to come to a game because he is always watching football on the TV; we felt that it would be a challenge for him but as I said he was desperate to come. "We gave him ear defenders and tried to prepare him in the right way but unfortunately he still struggled with the atmosphere and the noise levels within the main bowl, so we left after an hour and didn't get to see the end of the game - it was near the end of the 2014-15 season when we survived so I could hear the roars from the crowd when we were walking home." From their experience Peter and his wife Kate came up with the proposal of introducing a sensory room inside the ground for Nathan and other supporters who may have similar requirements. "We contacted the club and they helped us to develop the idea, so that there was an appropriate area for people with autism or similar difficulties to come and enjoy the match. “I'm really proud that Sunderland have become the first club to do this. It has been really good for Nathan and he's really enjoyed watching the games this season. "It is a fabulous facility and once again I would like to thank the support we've had from Chris Waters, Margaret Byrne, local schools and the supporters who have helped to make this exciting idea a reality." Sunderland's Supporter Liaison Officer, Chris Waters, added: "As Supporter Liaison Officer one of my main objectives is to improve the match day experience for supporters at the Stadium of Light. Peter made me aware of Nathan’s experience and we needed to find a suitable solution for him to enjoy the game. “It is fantastic to provide this as an option for families that wouldn’t have considered coming to a Premier League game in the past. “We have installed suitable equipment including a communication board which was donated to the room from Sunningdale School and the guests that have used the Nathan Shippey Sensory Room this season have all had a great time supporting the team. “It has been a valuable addition to the stadium that will provide a lot of enjoyment for supporters in the future.” Peter and Kate have now set up The Shippey Campaign to promote the concept throughout the Premier League with the aim of getting sensory rooms installed at sports stadia across the UK. . http://www.fcbusiness.co.uk/news/ar...tle=sunderland launch dedicated sensory room?
while the 'fans' may be quiet in the east stand (myself excluded of course) that bloody P.A. system is deafening. turn the bugger down ffs.
Its a great idea, and kudos to the club for this and its other community endeavours. I just wish the club put the same effort into the first team with the same success!
For most games it's quiet in the whole stadium - there's the odd time we have an atmosphere so just move them for that!!
Autism is a funny one mate. my missus looks after autistic kids for a living and you wouldn't believe their sensitivity to sounds, sights and smells. She'll be outside and a kid will start crying with its hands over its ears. 30 seconds later an aeroplane will quietly go overhead. They have it really difficult so it's really good that we're doing something for them. The more we know about it the more we're recognising he symptoms. I have a feeling it's something like 1 in 10 is on the spectrum.
I know mate - there was no offence meant in my comments - just a little dig at the crap atmosphere we have at the stadium. Great idea by the club though
