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Athlone Town AFC Accessibility and Inclusivity Policy

1. Introduction

Athlone Town AFC is proud to be a community-focused football club that values inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. We are committed to ensuring that football is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of disability, age, or any other disabling factors. This policy outlines our commitment to making all football-related activities and events organized by Athlone Town AFC accessible, enjoyable, and welcoming to all individuals.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all Athlone Town AFC activities, including but not limited to:

  • Match Days: Home and away games for all Athlone Town AFC teams, including men’s, women’s, and youth teams.
  • Training Sessions: Regular and special training sessions for all teams, including community outreach programs.
  • Club Events: Community events, fundraisers, social gatherings, and any other events organized by Athlone Town AFC.
  • Outreach Programs: Any partnerships, community programs, or collaborative initiatives undertaken by the club.

3. Current Accessibility and Inclusion Initiatives

Athlone Town AFC has taken proactive steps to ensure accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of our club culture. Some of our key initiatives include:

  • Free Season Tickets for Wheelchair Users and Carers: Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Athlone Town AFC provides complimentary season tickets to all wheelchair users and one carer. This initiative ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can enjoy all home matches without financial barriers and with the support they need.
  • Walking Football for Over 65’s: In partnership with Willow Park FC, we have launched a walking football team specifically designed for individuals aged 65 and over. Walking football is a slower-paced version of the game that is tailored to the needs of older adults, promoting physical activity, social interaction, and mental well-being. This program is open to all skill levels, ensuring everyone can participate and benefit from the joy of football.
  • Autism-Friendly Match Days: Understanding that traditional matchday environments can be overwhelming for individuals with autism, Athlone Town AFC has introduced Autism-Friendly Days at women’s games. On these days, we provide a sensory room under the stand, offering a quiet and calming environment for individuals who may need a break from the crowd. The sensory room is equipped with appropriate lighting, seating, and activities designed to create a supportive and comfortable experience for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
  • Annual Road Safety Event: Each year, Athlone Town AFC organizes a road safety event that draws over 1,200 students from the local community. This event is part of our broader commitment to social responsibility and education. During the event, students learn valuable road safety skills, participate in interactive workshops, and engage with local law enforcement and road safety experts. By hosting this event, we contribute to the well-being of our community and promote safe practices both on and off the field.

4. Future Commitments to Accessibility and Inclusivity

Athlone Town AFC is dedicated to continuously improving our accessibility and inclusivity efforts. Our future commitments include:

  • Facility Improvements: We will regularly assess our facilities to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that all aspects of our stadium and grounds are accessible to individuals with disabilities. This includes enhancing accessible seating options, providing designated parking spaces, and ensuring that restrooms, entrances, and exits are fully accessible.
  • Staff and Volunteer Training: Our staff, volunteers, and stewards play a critical role in creating an inclusive environment. We will provide ongoing training to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the needs of individuals with disabilities, equipped to offer assistance when needed, and committed to treating all visitors with dignity and respect.
  • Community Engagement and Feedback: To better understand the needs of our diverse fan base, we will actively seek feedback from individuals with disabilities, their carers, and other community members. This feedback will be used to inform our decisions and enhance our inclusivity initiatives. We will also establish a regular forum or advisory group to facilitate ongoing dialogue between the club and the community.
  • Development of New Programs: We will explore and implement additional programs aimed at increasing participation in football for individuals with various disabilities and from different age groups. This may include initiatives such as sensory-friendly football sessions, adaptive football programs for individuals with physical disabilities, and expanded community outreach efforts to reach underrepresented groups.
  • Accessible Communication: We recognize the importance of clear and accessible communication. All information regarding matches, events, and initiatives will be made available in accessible formats, including large print, easy-read, and digital formats compatible with screen readers. We will also ensure that our website and social media platforms are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities.

5. Promoting Awareness and Inclusivity

Athlone Town AFC is committed to raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity in sports. We will actively promote our accessibility and inclusivity initiatives through:

  • Club Website and Social Media: Regular updates and information about our accessibility efforts will be prominently featured on our website and social media channels. This will include details about available services, upcoming inclusive events, and ways to provide feedback.
  • Matchday Programs: Information about our accessibility services and inclusivity initiatives will be included in matchday programs, ensuring that all attendees are aware of the resources available to them.
  • Community Outreach: We will continue to engage with local schools, community organizations, and disability advocacy groups to promote inclusivity in sports. This includes offering educational workshops, participating in community events, and forming partnerships that support our mission of making football accessible to all.

6. Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Athlone Town AFC is committed to the ongoing review and improvement of our accessibility and inclusivity practices. To ensure this policy remains effective and responsive to the needs of our community:

  • Annual Review: This policy will be reviewed annually by the club’s management team, in consultation with stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, community groups, and relevant authorities. Any necessary updates or amendments will be made to ensure the policy remains current and effective.
  • Feedback Mechanism: We will establish a dedicated feedback mechanism, allowing individuals to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions related to accessibility and inclusivity. This feedback will be regularly reviewed and used to guide our ongoing efforts.
  • Performance Metrics: We will develop and track key performance metrics related to accessibility and inclusivity, such as the number of participants in our inclusive programs, satisfaction levels of individuals with disabilities, and the frequency and outcome of facility improvements. These metrics will be used to measure our progress and identify areas for further enhancement.

7. Contact Information

For more information about Athlone Town AFC’s accessibility and inclusivity initiatives, or to provide feedback on this policy, please contact:

admin@athlonetownafc.ie
Accessibility and Inclusivity Officer
Athlone Town AFC

8. Conclusion

Athlone Town AFC believes that football is a sport for everyone, and we are committed to creating an environment where all individuals can participate, spectate, and enjoy the beautiful game. Through our ongoing and future efforts, we aim to break down barriers, promote inclusivity, and ensure that our club is a welcoming and accessible space for all members of our community.

We invite everyone to join us in our mission to make Athlone Town AFC a leader in accessibility and inclusivity in football. Together, we can ensure that football truly is a game for all.