St Mirren fans to offer free sensory kits in bid to improve matchday experiences

St Mirren have launched an initiative to make matchday experiences better for supporters with additional needs.

The St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the club, will give out sensory kits to fans at this Saturday’s Premiership match against Hearts.

It’s part of a bid to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all fans at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley.

The items, which will be available free on matchday, are designed to support Buddies who may experience sensory overload or anxiety in busy environments.

Each kit includes noise-cancelling headphones, disposable inner ear plugs, tangle fidget toys, fidget cubes, fidget spinners, magic cubes, stress balls, mini football activity books and colouring markers. St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation CEO Gayle Brannigan expressed the organisation’s enthusiasm for this new initiative.

She said: “The foundation is committed to supporting St Mirren FC to make the SMiSA Stadium a more welcoming place for all our fans. These sensory kits will provide Buddies, who may find the matchday experience overwhelming, with the resources they need to ensure that every Saints fan can attend home games and enjoy the atmosphere, regardless of their needs.”

Saints chief operating officer Keith Lasley said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation on the launch of sensory kits.

“It is important that we recognise the needs of all supporters and we really hope this addition will enhance the matchday experience of those with additional needs at the SMiSA.”

The sensory kits can be collected from designated points at the stadium and fans are encouraged to reserve one in advance to ensure availability. Supporters are also requested to return the kits after the game.

For more information on how to reserve a sensory kit, contact the team at the St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation by emailing foundation@stmirren.com

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