Soccersight success at Edgar Street

The Soccersight project helping blind and partially sighted fans attend football matches has been successfully introduced at Hereford United's Edgar Street stadium.

Many supporters take it for granted that you can sit or stand anywhere you like with your friends or family, travel to away games, read the programme or simply buy a pie at half-time.

But have you ever thought how difficult it would be to attend a match if you could not see the pitch, or follow the action?

For many thousands of blind and partially sighted people these simple activities are major issues they have to cope with each and every match day.

Soccersight is an initiative from the Royal National Institute for the Blind, which has been designed to address these issues and provide solutions for clubs across the country.

The project is supported by the HBOS Foundation, V and the Football Foundation, and has been successfully launched at Hereford United FC.

Every home match is 'broadcast' via a short range transmitter, enabling supporters to keep up with the game wherever they decide to sit or stand.

So, if you are blind or have a sight problem, or if know someone that used to attend matches at Edgar Street but has lost vision quality, why not inform them of this great new service.

Anyone can sign up by visiting the ticket office on matchdays, where a returnable radio head set will be issued.

The Soccersight project is also working with the club to offer a buddy service for blind and partially sighted fans.

If you would like to help someone enjoy the experience of going to a live game, and become a Match Buddy, where you will attend a match with a blind or partially sighted person, please contact Kalle Hogh, Soccer Sight Volunteer Development Officer on 079 852 7476.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.