DOVER ATHLETIC are creating a special Sensory Room designed for supporters who need a quiet safe, space at Crabble – and lifelong fan Patrick Verrill believes it will open Non-League to even more people young and old.
Verrill took the idea to the club after seeing the need for a dedicated room when attending games with his young son Indiana, who is autistic.
The Whites’ community engagement and inclusion officer Vikki Pawley loved the idea and the National League South club have made it happen.
The room will include blankets, books, cushions, art supplies, lava lamps, a fish light, fidget toys, a sand tray, wall art and even a race track to allow fans to reset.
And Verrill, who is the chairperson of the Dover, Deal and Shepway branch of the National Autistic Society says the space will make a huge difference.
“I have a seven-year-old son who is highly autistic and sensitive to a lot of things – one of them being noise,” Verrill told The NLP. “I’m a Dover fan and have been going to watch since I was young. I’ve always taken him and my daughter and he absolutely loved it.
“He would make us stand with the younger fans who were banging the drum. Against Weymouth at home, a couple of seasons ago, they let him bang
the drum and he loved it. “Then one time we went with friends, stood in the same spot and he had a meltdown. The same thing happened again the next time.
“He enjoys watching football. If it’s on the telly he loves it. But it’s just the noise and I thought, ‘There has to be something we can do’.
“Last November I became the chairperson for the Dover, Deal and Shepway branch of National Autistic Society so, as well as being a concerned parent, I have a bit of a voice.
“I went to the club after they employed Vikki – who has been incredible – and said, ‘I’m not bothered about costs, I just really want to do this’.
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“Vikki said, ‘We’re going to do this with you, but we will do it’. The club have been so forthcoming. They’re working in partnership with one of the club’s sponsors, Megger, and soon as they heard the idea they loved it.”
The room will be officially opened on November 4 when the Whites take on Hampton & Richmond Borough.
Chairman Jim Parmenter has provided 50 free tickets on launch day and the use of an executive lounge is being covered by Megger. Verrill, 30, is full of praise for the club he has supported since he was four and can’t wait to see the room used on matchdays.
“Having a space to go for 15 minutes for a calm down, or to let the meltdown out, is incredible –
it’s a massive thing for the club to do,” he said. “I’ve had messages from adults who are autistic and parents of autistic children saying, ‘I can finally go to football’ or ‘I can take my child to football’.
“Autism isn’t just children. And it’s not just like my son, non-verbal. It’s is a massive spectrum.
“From my experience, sometimes people – autistic or not – need a quiet space in a loud environment. The club have recognised the need for it and I am very grateful.”
