Young Reading fan Alissa-Rose was able to watch the team thanks to the Sensory Room
The Sensory Room, which is managed on matchdays at the Select Car Leasing Stadium by Swings & Smiles, is a space designed specifically to cater for children and young adults with autism and other special needs.
By offering a space to get away from the sometimes overwhelming environment of a football stadium, children like Alissa-Rose Allaway can feel comfortable attending matches.
Alissa-Rose's mother, Felicity, had the following to say after the family attended a match earlier this season:
'Amazing!' 'Brilliant!' 'Fantastic!' Are just a few of the words that our daughter Alissa-Rose has used to describe her day at Reading Football Club. For years my husband has attended games alone as an avid Reading supporter and long-term season ticket holder. It has been a dream of ours to attend a game as a whole family - knowing it would be too much for Alissa-Rose.
That dream became a reality thanks to Reading Football Club, along with Swings & Smiles. The Sensory Room means that, for the first time, Alissa-Rose can enjoy her Daddy’s love of football and we can feel like a ‘normal’ family, even if only for a little while.
"All the staff we came across were friendly, helpful and engaging."
All the staff we came across were friendly, helpful and engaging, which made the whole experience even more perfect.
The seating was also brilliant. Not too noisy, not too overwhelming and with easy access to the Sensory Room when we needed it.
Thank you Reading Football Club for taking that step to be inclusive to all and making a real difference to families like ours. And thank you to Princeley, Alissa’s favourite mascot, for taking the time out to sign her bear! She treasures it!
We will be back! We enjoyed it so much.
Many Thanks,
The Allaway Family
The sensory space is managed by Swings & Smiles on matchdays and those wishing to use the Sensory Room at the stadium should contact the charity directly by emailing becky@swingsandsmiles.co.uk