Unite for Access: Focus on Helen Goosey
As we mark Level Playing Field’s, Unite for Access campaign, we spoke to Helen Goosey, who's the Disability Liaison Officer at Southampton Football Club, to find out more about her role.
How long have you been at Southampton Football Club?
I've been with the club for over a year now and I thoroughly enjoy my role here. I previously worked for a charity and realised how much I enjoy helping people. I want to be able to assist disabled fans who feel they're unable to attend a football stadium and help to remove barriers that may be impacting supporters.
What does a Disability Liaison Officer do?
My role is to support all of our disabled supporters and to help make the club as inclusive and accessible as possible.
I also work closely with the Southampton Disabled Supporters Association to ensure an ongoing dialogue with our disabled supporters.
What can fans contact you about and how can you help?
Fans can contact me to ask about our accessible facilities inside the stadium at St. Mary’s. If a supporter with accessibility needs hasn't been to the stadium before, I'd be delighted to show them around.
Day-to-day I coordinate bookings for the Sensory Room for supporters with sensory needs, provide information regarding accessible travel options to the stadium, and support applications for our Personal Assistant tickets. I also provide Access Wristbands to help supporters with hidden disabilities receive additional assistance from staff at St Mary’s on matchdays and organise Audio Description Radios for blind and partially sighted supporters.
Any fan, both home or away, is very welcome to contact me at any time to discuss their individual needs. I'm always willing to listen and do what I can to help.
How can someone get in touch?
I can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by calling 02380 711 980.
Why is a campaign like Unite for Access important?
The Unite for Access campaign is a perfect opportunity for clubs to celebrate good accessibility and inclusion for all disabled supporters.
At Southampton Football Club we take pride in the service and facilities we provide for fans and guests with disabilities or additional requirements. We're committed to improving accessibility and inclusion at the club.
To find more information about accessibility at St Mary's Stadium and the facilities we offer to fans with disabilities, you can head to our Supporter Services pages and our Disabled Supporters page.
