The global appeal of Football means that it has enormous potential as a tool to promote and develop social value and League of Ireland clubs are now effectively using their profile and the work of dedicated employees and volunteers to achieve this.
The global appeal of Football means that it has enormous potential as a tool to promote and develop social value and League of Ireland clubs are now effectively using their profile and the work of dedicated employees and volunteers to achieve this aim. As well as impacting on their communities via their social and environmental sustainability actions, League of Ireland clubs can contribute to the State’s efforts towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Ireland. The work of Waterford FC in promoting equality, social inclusion and creating healthier communities can be seen in some remarkable programmes targeting children and young people with autism which the club has recently started.
Waterford FC recently launched their Autism friendly match day experience at the city’s Regional Sports Centre. This is one of several social programmes that the club is rolling out as Waterford FC ramp up their engagement with the local community to provide new services and opportunities for local people.
This fantastic initiative is the result of excellent cooperation between the club, programme volunteers and parents of young children with autism who were keen to provide their kids with an opportunity to regularly see the Blues in action. It's driven by Waterford FC’s new Head of Community, Colin Power and Amy O’Connor from 50 shades of exceptional who also volunteers as a Community Officer with Waterford FC. Said Colin:
“This is part of Waterford FC’s new initiative to make matchday more inclusive. Over the previous months we have worked closely with 50 Shades of Exceptional, AsIAM, Autism Friendly Waterford, Mount Sion CBS, the National Learning Network Waterford and most importantly, parents of kids and young adults with Autism to fully understand how to best facilitate a positive matchday experience for our guests at Waterford FC”.
To facilitate the smooth operation of the programme, Waterford FC has appointed designated volunteer Club Ambassadors who are on hand at all times to assist the children and parents whenever they attend a game at the RSC. They are greeted and welcomed by the club ambassadors at a specially designated entrance point away from the hustle and bustle of the main crowd entrances and are taken to a reserved area in the main stand where they can enjoy the game. Assistance is available to access refreshments and should any of the children wish to take a break from the game, a special quiet room is available where parents can take them.
Adam Harris, the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity was hugely impressed by Waterford FC’s Autism friendly initiatives and was delighted to officially open the “quiet room” – an area set aside for children should they need time out from the game.
Adam Harris, CEO “As I Am” cutting the ribbon at the” quiet room” at Waterford RSC with the team of Waterford FC volunteers.
Waterford FC also provides playing opportunities for children and young people with autism via their Football Friends initiative. This programme is aimed at 6- to 16-year-old children on the autism spectrum and takes place every Tuesday between 4pm & 5pm in Ozier Park, the official ground of the Waterford Junior league who kindly agreed to host this children’s activity all year round. These excellent initiatives are making a huge contribution to making Waterford an Autism friendly city and the support of the Healthy Ireland programme has been instrumental in supporting the delivery of these initiatives.
Following the lead of Waterford FC, Shamrock Rovers FC has now opened a sensory room at Tallaght stadium which is an excellent addition to their match day experience and children were able to enjoy the recent Dublin derby match v Bohemians from the comfort of the sensory room. There’s no doubt that League of Ireland football clubs who engage in meaningful community programmes such as these certainly become more relevant to more people locally and that can only be good for both the clubs and the people engaging with them.
Children enjoying the recent Dublin derby match at Shamrock Rovers sensory room in Tallaght stadium along with famous Rovers’ mascot, “Hooperman”.
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals
Relevant UEFA Social and Environmental Sustainability policy areas
ENDS
