(UK) Swindon: Football club adds "sensory room" for neurodivergent fans

Dec 18, 2025, BBC News: Football club opens sensory room for supporters

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cre30p8z0n1o.amp

A sensory room has been opened at a League Two football club for fans with ADHD and autism.

The purpose-built room, which includes football-themed sensory equipment, bubble tubes, sensory lights, and calming sounds, has been created by Swindon Town FC at the Nigel Eady County Ground.

The non-pitch facing space is designed to provide relief from the noisy atmosphere of a football match for supporters who are neurodivergent.

Anthony Hall, the club's CEO, said: "It's a big achievement. We are only one of three clubs in League Two to have a sensory room so it's a big step in the right direction for us." . . .

"Our drive for inclusivity is to get everyone involved in the club with all needs - it is really important for the community club that we are."

The new space follows a year of fundraising and development involving club staff, supporters and local businesses. . . .

Sara Seager, mother of Kian, 10, Toby, 9, and Riley, 8, called the room "just incredible".

"All three of the boys have got autism and ADHD and sometimes it just gets a little bit much for them," she said.

"To be able to bring them in here just to get them away from it, it's fantastic."