Visually impaired commentary introduced at Brandywell

The audio-descriptive commentary will be transmitted to a radio receiver through a headset from anywhere within the stadium.

Visually impaired or blind spectators attending football games at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium can now avail of a new service that will give them a live audio description of games.

The new programme has been designed to allow Derry City and Institute FC supporters, as well as travelling fans, to listen to descriptive commentary that will be transmitted to a radio receiver through a headset from anywhere within the stadium.

The equipment was installed by stadium owners, Derry City and Strabane District Council, to improve accessibility at the stadium.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi Barr said it will allow more supporters to enjoy the match day experience.

'Football is for everyone'

The service at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium is similar to the Soccer Sight programme that was successfully implemented at Windsor Park Stadium in Belfast.

The new service, with commentary provided by Drive 105, was trialled at Friday’s 1-1 draw between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers and will now be available at every home fixture going forward.

Campaigns Officer for RNIB Northern Ireland, Michéal Smith, who attended Friday's match, said RNIB Northern Ireland is delighted to be involved with this initiative.

“Blind and partially sighted fans should be able to enjoy watching a live football match in an accessible environment which welcomes both participants and those who visit sporting facilities to follow the action," he said.

“Too often, access to and within grounds and stadia, the facilities on offer, the accessible communication and the return travel, can be difficult to negotiate or completely absent. In many cases this deters sports fans with sight loss from getting involved.

“Football is for everyone and we commend the Brandywell for introducing audio description technology to the stadium."

Rory McCartney, who lost the sight in one of his right eyes following a stroke, says the new service is a fantastic addition to the stadium

Rory McCartney, who lost his sight in his right eye following a stroke, has said attending football games with a visual impairment can be a challenging experience.

He told BBC Radio Foyle’s Mark Patterson Show on Wednesday that he would have had to previously listen to radio commentary while attending football matches, but because there was a delay in the broadcast, he felt he was always behind in terms of following the action to those in seats beside him.

“When a goal or something happens, the rest of the crowd is cheering while you are 30 seconds behind waiting for the ball to still be crossed into the box to be scored.

“It can be really frustrating – it has to be live, there really needs to be no delay for it to work.”

Mr McCartney said the initiative was successfully rolled out at Windsor Park for Northern Ireland matches and he campaigned with others for this to be introduced at the stadium used by Derry City and Institute FC.

He said to have live play-for-play updates was something that really enhanced the match experience.

“It’s been absolutely amazing, I mean as a football fan to be able to go and sit at a football game with friends and take part in that real fan experience is just incredible,” he said.

“It’s like having a live radio transmitter in your ear and the equipment you use is state-of-the-art, I think it’s the same as the one used by Manchester United, and it really does make the whole experience so much better.”

The new audio description service was trialled at Friday’s 1-1 draw between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers

Derry City’s Robert Martin said the service is a great addition to the stadium.

“Anything that enhances the match night experience at the ground is warmly welcomed and no doubt our visually impaired supporters will be happy to make use of the headsets going forward," he said.

“We congratulate all involved in the development of this project and encourage anyone who feels they may benefit from the service to speak with stadium stewards.

“The sets will be stored in the communications room and signed in and out by an appointed club delegate.”