CHILDREN with autism will be able to enjoy Burton Albion matchdays this season thanks to the addition of a sensory room at selected games.
Former Albion player Shaun Barker was behind the plan for a sensory room at the Pirelli Stadium.
The defender’s charity, The Shaun Barker Foundation, purchased portable equipment which can turn an executive box at the Pirelli Stadium into a place where children with autism can feel comfortable at all times.
Sensory rooms are special spaces which enable adults and children with difficulties such as autism to watch live matches from a secure area with a window onto the pitch, allowing them to feel part of the matchday action.
Burton Albion’s equipment, which provides lights and a comforting sensory experience to provide an escape from the potentially overwhelming noise of a football crowd, has the benefit of being portable. It can therefore be used on non-matchdays as well.
It will be be next in operation at the Checkatrade Trophy game against Middlesbrough on Wednesday, November 7.
Burton Albion Community Trust’s Head of Community Matt Hancock said: “We were able to offer a sensory room at Burton Albion games for the first fime last season and it proved to be very popular.
“Shaun made it possible and we are delighted that he will continue supporting its use at games and that he will be along at the cup tie next week."
Shaun Barker said: “Making football accessible to everyone to enjoy is very important and I’m delighted that we have been able to make this happen at Burton Albion.
"This is the first of several games we have lined up for this season and I hope it gives youngsters who wouldn't normally be able to attend a football game a chance to enjoy the matchday experience."
To find out more or to ask about attending a game where the Sensory Room is in operation contact Matt Hancock matt.hancock@burtonalbionct.org