“To sing alongside my son with the fans, I can only describe it as a dream come true”

We are delighted to again show our support for Level Playing Field’s Unite for Access campaign, which runs until 16 March and focuses on driving an inclusive matchday experience for disabled sports fans.

To mark this year’s campaign, we spoke to some of our fans who regularly use our Sensory Suite at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on matchdays. The Suite, located within our North Stand, offers a comfortable and calming environment for supporters on the autistic spectrum or with sensory impairment conditions to watch a match, complete with a tactile wall, a bubble tube and several other pieces of sensory equipment.

Supporters have the option of watching the match both inside and outside the suite, with seating areas directly in front of the suite reserved to provide flexibility.  Attendees are also presented with a sensory pack on their first visit, complete with ear defenders and several other tactile sensory toys.

“The Sensory Suite has been a gamechanger for our family”, explains Naoual Sehli.

Naoual’s two children are neurodiverse, meaning a traditional matchday experience can be somewhat overwhelming.

“My husband, Zak, has been a lifelong fan, so it was only natural that our children would inherit the passion for the club. Having the suite allows us to share the joy of supporting our team in a comfortable, nonjudgmental and supportive environment, with the option to sit in the stands for a more immersive atmosphere.

“From our very first visit, we were impressed by the care and thoughtfulness that went into making us as welcome as possible.”

Jonathan Littlemore and his son both have a diagnosis of autism and find matchday atmospheres uncomfortable.

They subsequently signed up for our Disability Access Scheme, which enables supporters with access requirements to sit in dedicated accessible viewing areas across the Stadium and provides services and facilities that enhance their matchday experience, including the Sensory Suite.

“Our first match in the suite was a European match, and as the game progressed my son decided he wanted to venture out, so for the last half an hour we sat outside. No ear defenders, no toys, just sitting in the seat shouting and cheering for the team.

“We've been back to the Stadium multiple times in the past couple of years, knowing that if either one of us gets overwhelmed or is finding it difficult, we can always use the suite to help us. It has had a big effect for myself and my family.”

Parag Ruparelia has supported the Club since the 1980s, but when his son was diagnosed with autism, he grew anxious about whether he would be able to attend matches with him. That all changed when he discovered the Sensory Suite.

“Tottenham Hotspur have played a crucial role in Roni's development”, he says. “The moments we have shared at the Stadium have been nothing but inspirational and have given him the confidence and belief to blossom in every aspect of his life. To sing alongside my son with the home fans, I can only describe it as a dream come true.

“The personnel responsible for the Sensory Suite and the support staff in and around our beautiful Stadium are simply world class. We are incredibly proud as a family to state Tottenham Hotspur is and always will be our club.”