'Now I'm part of the crowd' - the tech helping visually impaired football fans

Crystal Palace has introduced special headsets for visually impaired fans, significantly enhancing their experience at live football matches. Sophia, a young supporter with bi-macular atrophy, shares how the technology has allowed her to feel more connected to the game and the crowd. The headsets, created by GiveVision, enable users to zoom in on the action and watch live TV coverage in real time. This initiative responds to findings from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, which noted that blind and partially sighted individuals are only half as likely to attend sporting events compared to the national average. Currently, the headsets are only available at Crystal Palace, but there are plans to expand to more clubs as demand grows.

Joanna Liddington, GiveVision’s Head of Operations, emphasizes their commitment to working with other teams to provide this technology. The initiative has gained support from players, including Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who advocates for broader access to such experiences for visually impaired children. This movement marks a significant step towards increasing accessibility in sports and fostering inclusivity among fans.