Wolves praised for helping partially-sighted fans

Charlotte Jones said she has been a Wolves fan all her life

A partially-sighted football fan has welcomed a campaign to improve inclusivity at stadiums.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has said many blind or partially-sighted people find football grounds inaccessible, or are put off from going completely.

Charlotte Jones, from Cannock, said her own club, Wolves, was very good, but fans elsewhere are not as lucky.

She said stadium design and staff-training were key.

Ms Jones was diagnosed with a degenerative eyesight condition when she was three years old and said she now has only 10% of her sight remaining.

She has been a Wolverhampton Wanderers fan all her life and said: "I love attending games at the Molineux, it's just such a great atmosphere."

Her condition also affects her hearing and balance, so she regularly goes with her father for assistance.

The 27-year-old said: "I'm really fortunate that Wolves have been really accessible as a club."

The football club has a disability team that helps Ms Jones sit in areas where she is out of the glare from the sun and makes sure there is always a seat for her father next to her.

Charlotte regularly attends matches with her father, who supports her in the stadium

The RNIB said nearly a quarter of blind and partially-sighted people cannot properly experience football on matchday.

The charity said factors such as a lack of audio commentary, the crowds and access difficulties put many off going to games.

The charity is now working with five clubs, including Wolves, to improve their facilities.

Ms Jones said: "I'm so happy to know that this partnership's happening.

'Stewards need training'

"While I know my experience has been positive and support's been there with my club I know it's not the same for other blind and partially-sighted people."

She said she has had experiences elsewhere, where the attitude of staff at events was not good enough.

She said it made her feel less valued, which "can really knock your confidence".

Speaking about football stadiums, she said it was important to have clearly highlighted steps, rails and an easy-to-access layout.

But equally staff, especially stewards, need training in sight-loss awareness and how to support blind and partially-sighted people on matchday.