Thomas Clements’ eyes light up as he vividly recounts his inaugural journey to Highbury in 1995. Ian Wright was among the goal scorers that day, securing a victory against QPR. Clements, whose name honours Mickey Thomas, the scorer of Arsenal’s decisive second goal in their legendary 1989 title win against Liverpool, gestures towards his father, Kevin, standing nearby. He proudly states, ‘I was sat on his shoulders in the North Bank.’ While this might seem a common childhood memory for many born in the 1980s, the experience of attending a match presents unique challenges for disabled supporters like Clements. Everyday aspects that most take for granted, such as travel logistics, navigating to the stadium, purchasing refreshments, meeting friends and family, and entering or exiting the ground, all demand meticulous planning and foresight for individuals with disabilities.
A Lifetime of Support and Seamless Experiences
Thomas Clements’ Journey with Arsenal
Thomas Clements, who lives with cerebral palsy, a condition impacting his movement and posture, navigates his world with a mobility scooter. He shares his story from Arsenal’s dedicated disabled supporters’ lounge, enjoying a hot chocolate just a stone’s throw from the pitch. Clements has built an impressive career as a PE teacher and holds qualifications as a cricket, football, and basketball coach. He is also a former Panathlon competitor. With a proud grin, he reflects, ‘I’ve done quite well for myself. Without these little extra touches, the matchday experience wouldn’t be what it is. Whatever you need help with, Arsenal will sort it out. They make it seamless. It makes a massive difference.’ His sentiment highlights the profound impact of the club’s commitment to accessibility.
Innovating for Accessibility Game Day Vision
Andrew Birch’s Inspiration and Initiative
Across the room, Andrew Birch, the visionary founder of Game Day Vision, engages in conversation with a group. His company’s inception came after attending a concert at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While the venue excelled in catering to visually impaired attendees, the journey to and from the stadium proved significantly more challenging. Birch explains, ‘I was with a friend who had driven. But I know other disabled people who go to things alone and, if I was on my own, I’d get myself into trouble, either lost or I’d have hurt myself.’ This personal experience underscored a critical gap in support services. Many disabled fans rely on a regular match partner, but no provision existed for those without such companions, or for times when their usual helper was unavailable.
Expanding Reach and Volunteer Power
Birch wasted no time. He contacted Aaron Heskins, Arsenal’s disability access manager, on a Wednesday with his innovative idea. Remarkably, a beta version of the service was in operation by that very weekend. Game Day Vision’s reach now extends beyond Arsenal, collaborating with clubs such as West Ham, Colchester, Ipswich, and most recently, Crystal Palace. Birch admits, ‘I really enjoy it. Logistically, it can have a few issues, when trains get delayed, or if a supporter doesn’t have a phone.’ Initially designed for supporters with sight impairment, a condition Birch himself experiences severely, the service is now expanding to assist individuals with other disabilities. As Birch aptly puts it, ‘Everyone needs bespoke help.’ Users can request assistance directly from their home or a station, and Birch endeavours to facilitate their needs. Matthew Shaw, a dedicated fan who travels from Norwich for every game, was an early adopter of Game Day Vision. He emphatically states, ‘I can’t do without them. Coming on your own is no fun. It’s nice to meet up with people.’ Shaw’s regular companion is Tony Saunders, a videographer who initially assisted Birch with a promotional video. Their connection grew, and for the past two seasons, Saunders has been one of approximately 40 dedicated volunteers who ensure the service runs smoothly.
The Arsenal Disabled Supporters’ Association A Strong Voice
Daniel Bailey’s Dedication and Advocacy
Tony Saunders also occasionally accompanies Daniel Bailey, the esteemed chair of the Arsenal Disabled Supporters’ Association. Bailey makes the long journey from Exeter to take his cherished North Bank seat. His uncle introduced him to the Arsenal way, and he has followed the club both domestically and internationally since the iconic ‘Invincibles’ era. The association boasts nearly 600 members, encompassing individuals with hearing, visual, and physical disabilities. When a member identifies an issue, the association acts as a vital liaison with Arsenal, working to find effective solutions. Bailey, while independent, deeply values ‘the security of having the assistance of someone with sight. Football is a massive part of my life and without it I think I’d struggle. Football is my escapism.’ His words resonate with countless fans for whom the game offers much more than just sport.
Enhanced Commentary and Stadium Upgrades
Bailey also praises a specialist radio service that Arsenal, like many other clubs, offers through the dedicated volunteers of Alan March Sport. He notes, ‘Because they specifically cater for the blind and visually impaired, they’re a little bit more descriptive. The mainstream radio commentary is great, but they aren’t focused on just us.’ Up in the gantry, Manus Bonner-Tymms is one of the familiar voices guiding Bailey, Shaw, Birch, and many others through the match. A season-ticket holder, Bonner-Tymms was intrigued by an advertisement on the club’s website, despite commentary never being on his radar. After passing selection and training, his involvement has become ‘the highlight of my week.’ Two commentators cover each game, but unlike the traditional lead and analyst pairing, they interchange roles. Bonner-Tymms explains, ‘It’s much more granular. It’s very much ball first and player second. That’s the most important thing.’ Inside the Emirates Stadium, the pitchside show now features full British Sign Language integration, with big-screen content also accompanied by BSL. Arsenal pioneered this initiative, with several other clubs following their lead. Outside, tactile guidance pathways assist fans in navigating around the stadium, and during the summer, hearing loops were installed on the concourses. Deaf fans can connect their cochlear implants via Bluetooth, which reduces background noise and enhances socialising. An audio-only version of the matchday programme is also readily available for every game.
A Collaborative Premier League Effort
United in Inclusivity
All these initiatives are proudly facilitated by Arsenal, a club that stands among many in the Premier League striving for greater inclusivity. As Aaron Heskins succinctly puts it, ‘We compete on the field but not off it.’ Thomas Clements supports this view, even commending Tottenham and West Ham for their excellent access services. The approach is deeply collaborative, with Heskins and his Premier League counterparts meeting biannually to exchange ideas and plan future improvements. ‘If we see something working elsewhere, we will pick up the phone and ask them about it,’ Heskins confirms. These individual, yet collectively consequential, efforts combine to create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
The dedication shown by Arsenal, its volunteers, and the broader Premier League community underscores a powerful message. From the individual stories of fans like Thomas Clements and Daniel Bailey to the innovative solutions provided by Andrew Birch’s Game Day Vision, the commitment to accessibility is unwavering. Clubs are collectively ensuring that the matchday experience is not just good, but truly exceptional for everyone. The phrase ‘You are different, but you are the same’ perfectly encapsulates this ongoing mission, fostering an environment where every supporter can fully immerse themselves in the passion of football.
