when it comes to offering inclusivity for all.

A story of a fan experience from Arsenal’s game against Aston Villa highlighted Arsenal’s forward-thinking when it comes to making specific accommodations to fans who have sensory difficulties.

A turbulent atmosphere inside a Premier League stadium can make watching a match a difficult, overstimulating experience for  those with special needs.

But Arsenal’s Sensory Room, set up back in 2017, provides a tranquil space to host fans and their families at the ground, as well as a window on to the pitch for hem to fully enjoy the action.

Speaking about taking his son to a Premier League game for the first time, Twitter user @TheresYourDC said:

"Last night I took my son to Arsenal for his first match. He was buzzing all day for it. I wasn't sure if it he'd ever go as he has autism. Once we were in the ground he struggled with about 50,000 people shouting and was having a hard time. Halfway through the 1st half I could see he wasn't going to get used to it so we had to leave.

“When we left the stadium, a steward (blonde lady, wish I got her name), asked why we were leaving and I told her. She asked me to hold on and contacted someone else. Next thing I know, we're being walked towards club level. They've got a sensory room there where we could watch the rest of the match. The bloke running the room, Luke Howard, was fantastic with everyone in there & between him & the stewards that helped, turned the night into a great memory. Thank you @Arsenal."

club level. They’ve got a sensory room there where we could watch the rest of the match. The bloke running the room, Luke Howard, was fantastic with everyone in there & between him & the stewards that helped, turned the night into a great memory. Thank you @Arsenal

— Dave (@TheresYourDC) October 27, 2021

Arsenal’s hospitality and compassion for fans who are sensitive to sensory overload but still want to attend matches is a shining example to the rest of the Premier League. No fan should ever feel unwelcome attending football, and this is a great example of a club ensuring everyone can attend and enjoy match days.