Scheme to aid blind and partially sighted supporters
An exciting new service for blind and partially sighted spectators at Fratton Park is being launched for the rest of the season.
The Pompey Disabled Supporters’ Association and Alan March Sport Ltd are excited to announce a brand new audio description service, which is available to any supporters who need it from this weekend’s match against Barnet.
The service will provide blind and partially sighted fans with the best possible matchday experience.
Unlike traditional radio broadcasts, Alan March Sport audio describers are trained to keep up with play to the second and focus on the action – if something happens in the match the listener will know exactly what happened, where it occurred and how it transpired.
Training sessions for the prospective commentators were held at Fratton Park in July, when the Alan March Sport team put them through their paces and selected Niall McCaughan, Dan Shaw, James Richardson and Chris Perry as Pompey’s designated team of audio describers.
Alan March, MD of Alan March Sport, said: “It’s fantastic news for us as a company to add another fine club to our roster of sides provided with audio description.
“But, more importantly, it means that it’s another step towards having total accessibility for all followers of football.
“It’s something we’ve always felt really passionately about – and it’s great that Portsmouth also share that philosophy.”
Steve Webb, the chair of Pompey’s Disabled Supporters’ Association added: “I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Pompey DSA, to warmly welcome the audio descriptive commentary service, which goes live as from the Barnet game.
“It is a clear demonstration of Portsmouth Football Club’s continued commitment to inclusion and Pompey DSA wishes everyone involved with this fabulous project, the very best for this and many more seasons to come. Play up Pompey!”
This has all been possible thanks to funding from the Disabled Supporters’ Association, but the service won’t just benefit Pompey fans, as away supporters are also welcome to utilise this brilliant initiative that comes free with your ticket.
Any supporter with a match ticket who requires the service can listen to the action using specialist easy-to-use receivers. Headsets are provided, however we recommend that visitors use their own ear/headphones.
The receivers will be available to collect from main reception ahead of the match (you will need to fill out a form which can be done in advance here) and are returned to the Chimes Lounge entrance off Frogmore Road (next to the ticket office) after the game.
Receivers can also be reserved in advance by contacting Allison McNeil, the club’s disabled liaison officer, at allisonmcneil@pompeyfc.co.uk