A pan-disability football game will take place at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium to help raise awareness of autism, and the support available to those who may need it.
Last year Morecambe Football Club’s Community Foundation joined forces with the charity, Bee Unique, to offer autism sensory packs for home games, with the aim of providing a safe spectating environment for those diagnosed with or in the medical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Bee Unique is a West Cumbria-based charity with the aim of embracing, educating and entertaining those diagnosed with and those engaged in the medical diagnosis of autism, whilst also supporting their families and carers.
The packs available at the Mazuma include ear defenders to reduce crowd noise, and simple fidget toys to help keep calm during the game.
At half time during Morecambe’s League Two fixture against Carlisle United on Saturday, April 12, a five-a-a-side junior pan-disability football match will be played between a Morecambe FC SEN (Special Educational Needs) side and Bee Unique’s U12 team.
The ear defenders will be on display, and participants will also act as flag bearers, with the aim of sending out a positive message to communities.
The Bee Unique charity was founded in February 2021 to create, grow and support the SEND community, with the organisation of exclusive sessions for families to enjoy together in a non-judgemental environment.
More than 2,000 sessions, supporting 25,000 individuals have been run to date.
Co-founder of Bee Unique, Martin McCarron, said: ‘’The stigma is felt by every single parent and our mission is to raise as much awareness as possible, thus embracing differences.
‘’At the charity, we all have the patience, dedication and commitment to train children voluntary to teach skills at their own pace, catering for all abilities. The sessions give the SEND children the chance to show off their wonderful abilities and shine on the pitch.
‘’As part of the charity we want to raise autism awareness in football, but we also want to promote Pan Disability football in all areas we support, including in Morecambe and Lancashire.
‘’There is a massive gap where we all can help promote the Pan Disability football in the county.
‘’Going on my own experience with coaching children with disabilities, it is truly rewarding. Let’s make football happen for the children, they deserve to play like everyone else. It’s time for our children to shine like the boys and girl’s football does.’’
Stuart Glover, CEO of Morecambe FC Community Foundation, said: “These packs have been put together to help our fans who may need some additional support during games.
“We hope that by providing them, more people with autism will feel more comfortable coming to games and being part of the Morecambe FC family.
“This is part of our wider engagement plan for fans which will hopefully see more people from our diverse community coming to cheer on Morecambe FC!”
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