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A working group has been set up to try and make the matchday experience more inclusive for football fans with disabilities.
The group is a coalition between the Bolton Wanderers FC Supporters Trust (BWFCST), Bolton Wanderers, Bolton Wanderers in the Community and the Bolton Wanderers Disabled Supporters Association.
The working group has created a survey which they are encouraging fans with disabilities, not limited to those with conditions affecting mobility, to fill out.
The working group hopes to gain the best possible insight into how the University of Bolton Stadium could become a more welcoming and comfortable venue for those with disabilities.
Secretary at BWFCST Ian Bridge says that under previous ownership regimes people with additional needs have not always been thought of as a priority, but those currently at the helm are keen to be as inclusive as possible.
He said: “The Bolton Wanderers Disabled Supporters Association have been ignored for years by previous ownerships. The group lost momentum and began to dwindle in number.
“With the current owners we have set up a working group and have taken it upon ourselves to do something.
“We are a looking at various problems that fans have in general and for them to give us guidance.
“The working group will take this on board and target the people who need it. This is the purpose of the survey.”
Mr Bridge says that the response so far has been good, with people highlighting issues that they had not necessarily thought of.
He added: “The trust has already spoken with interested parties, and we have spoken to several organisations who are experienced in these things.
“We’ve also spoken with other clubs like Swindon Town who give out autism packs to deal with sensory issues.
“During one of the first walks around the stadium someone pointed out that you need chairs in the wheelchair section so that carers can sit down too.
“The chief executive Neil Hart immediately said, ‘that’s not right’ and for the next game they had ordered 100 chairs.
“When things can be done, they will be actioned.”
Mr Bridge added that their approach has already attracted attention from other clubs’ supporters trusts, and they are helping them set up their own similar initiatives.
People wanting to contribute to the process and take the survey must get in contact with the trust by emailing enquiries@bwfcst.co.uk. They will then be sent a link to the online survey.
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