Creating inclusivity

[SteveR]

A major problem for many football clubs, an especially those at our level is how to attract a wider supporter base than just the obvious generic 40 plus male.
Planning for the move back into the Northwich area is already happening and one thing that I personally would like to see is to make 1874 as inclusive and accessible to as many different peer groups as possible.
Following a discussion with a supporter, I have been in contact with Cheshire Down’s syndrome association with a view to making the club Makaton friendly.
For those who are unaware, Makaton is a simplified version of sign language that people with learning difficulties or hearing loss use to assist in communication.
The CDSA run a disability football team and works with other groups who also run disability football groups around Cheshire. Later on this summer they will be organising a short course in Makaton that when completed would enable the club to be classified as Makaton Friendly, a qualification that we can use to promote 1874.
I will be attending the course, but ideally we need 2 more people associated with the club to take the course with me. This does not mean that whoever learns Makaton will be committed to be available at all games, but it does mean that if required we as a club should have someone available at most games to help and assist if required.
Any supporters who may be interested, please let me know.

Steve R.
1874 Northwich Community Development.

 

[Kit]

What a brilliant initiative, Steve. Once your training is complete, it would be great to invite groups from the CDSA and special schools down to matches? Are there any other clubs who are Makaton friendly or is this a first? I might be able to put you in touch with someone who is already Makaton trained and specialises in Downs who might bring a couple of children on an afternoon out, free to contact me next season.

 

[simon barton]

Steve, I would be interested in attending the course.... another great initiative by the club

 

[Pete]

A little thought and quite low spend can open up football to many who have a disability and this idea is to be applauded.
In Steve''s original post he mentions " the obvious generic 40 plus male" and with that in mind one of the priorities for us should be making anywhere we play accessible to those with mobility problems. Anyone ever tried to comfortably gain access to and comfortably watch at Winsford from a wheelchair? What will it be like at Barnton?
The reason I say prioritise this group is because it is probably the largest disabled group (given the average age mentioned above) so the benefits are widely spread, quickly, and there is potential significant extra income for the club. In addition it could also mean retaining existing support, as current fans get older, in addition to attracting new fans.
Has any assessment of such issues at Barnton been done?
At a brand new ground (assuming it happens) such issues will have to have been addressed at the planning stage but if/when we move in the potential to be even more disability friendly is immense.

 

[Tez]

Excellent thread and some very thought provoking posts. The initiative is to be commended, and while it would be fantastic to have a few key regulars with a good grasp of makaton, there is also no reason why other 74 fans can’t pick up the odd bit of signing too? Makaton can be a useful communication tool even if it’s simply signing or understanding the odd word e.g drink, pie, money, toilet, please thank-you, yes/no/okay etc.
Like Pete’s point about reviewing accessibility. It may or may not be a practical proposition at Barnton (it awaits my first visit) but there is no harm in considering the issue, in partnership with The Villagers obviously.

 

[SteveR]

The comments regarding accessibility are very relevant. You will appreciate that as at many older designed facilities this is an area to be addressed and improved if possible. Alongside our future landlords I am sure that this is an aspect that both clubs will be eager to address.