After its introduction last year, Hull FC are delighted to confirm that the Sensory Room will be in operation again for the 2024 season.
Proud to serve Rugby League as one of the sport’s most inclusive clubs, Hull FC’s Sensory Room was brought into play at the club’s Community & Inclusion fixture against Wigan Warriors last May, and it proved to be a big hit.
The glass-fronted, pitch-facing Sensory Room allows adults with sensory processing issues who wouldn’t usually be able to watch the match, to do so.
Whilst the club has hosted a sensory room at the stadium for a number of years, those who use the rooms are now able to watch the match in a safe, secure environment.
We recently caught up with Ben, a lifelong Hull FC supporter, who attended a home fixture in the Sensory Room last season. He praised the club and the Community Foundation for introducing the concept.
“My little girl is autistic, and presents as highly anxious, with severe sensory challenges, particularly around noise (mostly spontaneous noises), crowds and transitions into spaces.
“The sensory box allowed us to attend a live event as a family, in a space which accommodated both my little girl and her younger brother who often adapts his needs to meet those of his sisters such as leaving early or needing to be out of spaces he can easily see from.
“I work away with the Navy, so my time is often stretched in terms of time spent with my daughter, son and wife, so being able to do this together as a family is even more significant given our current situation.”
He added: “Both of the members of staff showed kindness and consideration to all of us, and the potential of what you are doing is amazing. Inclusion is extremely important to me and my family.
“I have been a Hull fan all of my life, and the club is extremely close to my heart, so the fact that you are leading this kind of innovation in sporting events is something I am both proud and passionate about and keen to back in any way I can.”
If you would like more information on Hull FC’s Sensory Room, please email health@hullfc.com.
Please note, the Sensory Room is not wheelchair accessible.
