Reading Football Club’s DSA launch new Sensory Bag Loan Scheme
It's to help make games comfortable for supporters with sensory sensitivities.
Reading Football Club’s Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) say they're proud to launch a new Sensory Bag Loan Scheme, designed to help make the matchday experience at the Select Car Leasing Stadium more comfortable for supporters with sensory sensitivities.
From the clubs first home game of the season this Saturday against Huddersfield Town, ten sensory bags will be available to borrow free of charge on matchdays.
The matchday environment can be overwhelming for some fans, particularly those with autism, ADHD, or other sensory processing conditions. Loud cheers, bright lights and busy crowds can create barriers to fully enjoying the game. This initiative aims to make football more inclusive and accessible for all.
Each sensory bag is presented in an official Reading FC drawstring bag and includes:
Noise-cancelling headphones
A stress ball
Fidget toys
A notepad and pen
A Reading FC Legend fact file
Supporters can borrow a bag by visiting the Ticket Office on the day of the match or reserve one in advance by contacting the club via [email protected] or calling 0118 968 1313 (option 2). Bags should be collected from the Ticket Office and returned to any Matchday Steward after the game.
Eleanor Flood, Inclusion Officer for the DSA, said:
“This launch is part of an ongoing commitment to making games more inclusive for disabled supporters and those with long-term conditions. A huge thanks to STAR for their funding and to the Ticket Office team for their ongoing support in managing the scheme.”
Rob Couhig added:
“We want the Select Car Leasing Stadium to be a place where fans come and have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The sensory bags enhance our commitment to ensuring Reading Football Club is a club for everyone.”