leigh leopards
The Leopards Den – Autism Friendly Stadium
Welcome to Leigh Sports Village: The Leopards Den!
Autism Friendly Stadium
Leigh Leopards and Leigh Sports Village Stadium is backing the goal to make Wigan Borough a more autism friendly place and we want to ensure that rugby league is open to all our fans including people with autism, their family and friends.
We have worked with a number of autistic supporters who have attended matches and have provided us with their view on how we can be more accessible and as a result have taken a number of steps as follows:
- All our Stewards have become ‘Autism Friends’ by undertaking an awareness session, making them more aware of the condition.
Autistic supporters can access the stadium via the side entrance gate so that they can avoid the turnstiles if necessary - Introduced a virtual video that allows people to get a feel for the stadium in advance of visiting the LSV Stadium on the Leigh Community Trust, Leigh Centurions and LSV website.
- Ear defenders are available for loan from the designated autism steward (in the green jacket).
- Introduced more specific information on our website to help supporters to plan ahead
Before visiting a match at the LSV Stadium we would like you to be aware of the following information that may help autistic supporters to plan ahead.
Car Parking & Transport Information
Free car parking is available on-site and can be accessed from 90 minutes before kick off. We’d advise to head to the car parks behind the North Stand on Turner Way (postcode WN7 4GX). Further information on getting to the stadium is available at leighsportsvillage.co.uk/plan-your-visit/
Security
If you bring a bag with you to the Stadium you will be asked to show this to a match day steward who will check any items in your bag for security reasons. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE STADIUM
Timings
Please be aware that the Stadium is open to the public one hour before kick off
Sensory Information
Ear Defenders can be obtained from the designated autism steward as you enter the stadium on a first come, first served basis, these should be returned to the steward following a match.
There may be entertainment including loud music and dance acts prior to the match and at half time.
There will be loud announcements on match days before the match and during the match.
There are fast food stalls situated around the Stadium and these can create strong smells of food around the area.
It can get busy on match days and so for anybody wanting to avoid the crowds you may wish to access the stadium at the earliest opportunity allowing time to purchase refreshments before taking your seat.
Please note that the concourse areas can get very busy half an hour before kick off. Taking your seat early will allow the atmosphere to build up gradually and this can reduce overstimulation for someone who is autistic.
Once the match is over many supporters will leave the ground at the same time and so you may wish to either leave the match earlier or wait until the crowd has left the stadium.