Dunfermline Athletic team up with Scottish Autism to help fans

One local family was able to enjoy a day out at the recent home fixture against Queens Park thanks to the support provided by the Pars Foundation and the charity.

The Michie family, parents Zdenka and Bill and sons Connor and Jacob, who access Scottish Autism services via the Fife One Stop Shop, attended the match with the children using the recently launched 'sensory packs'.

The packs can be collected from the club shop on a Friday before a match or on match day and include Pars Foundation-branded noise cancelling headphones, a sticker, medal, autism awareness lanyard, a football poppit and stress ball, as well as a clip board with activity pens.

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Stadium walks can also be organised before a game so those booking out the packs can familiarise themselves with the stadium before the game.

Zdenka said the additional support had been a "brilliant" experience.

"The boys were really happy!" she said. "It was really good to be able to go to the pitch and get photos taken with Sammy the Tammy, it was the biggest highlight for the boys.

"The sensory packs were really good also. The ear defenders were a godsend as Connor was quite nervous about the match due to high noise, but he was able to enjoy the game right through without any problems, and so was Jacob.

"They both loved the football poppet fidget toy and the wee football, pens and DAFC sheets of paper to draw on."

Jacob and Connor Michie meeting Pars mascot Sammy the Tammy. (Image: Scottish Autism)

Jackie Cassells, Senior Community Advisor at Scottish Autism's Fife One Stop Shop, added: "It's great to hear that the Michie family had such a positive experience attending the recent Dunfermline v Queens Park match.

"The approach taken by the club and the Pars Foundation to develop and provide sensory packs to supporters will help to open up the matchday experience to individuals who might otherwise be excluded and we are glad that we were able to help provide this opportunity in partnership with them."

Alister Burn, commercial manager at Dunfermline Athletic, was glad to see families supported so they can watch a match.

“We understand that for autistic people and their family, coming to watch The Pars could be overwhelming and stressful," he said. "The noise, lights and smells, as well as the uncertainty of what to expect, could cause anxiety.

"We want to reduce the barriers that prevent fans from coming along to KDM Group East End Park. With the introduction of our sensory packs we hope that this will reduce the stresses which have previously prevented autistic and neurodivergent individuals attending matches.”