The Trust’s collaboration with New Whittington Primary School, which saw children from the school featured on the big screen using British Sign Language (BSL) at last Saturday’s game against Yeovil Town, attracted widespread coverage.
Level Playing Field, a registered charity campaigning for an inclusive matchday experience and equal access for all disabled sports fans in England and Wales, praised the initiative, which came at the end of their United for Access campaign.
They tweeted: “How good is this from @Chesterfield FC? They became the first club to have children introduce the team with British Sign Language (BSL).” The tweet has been liked nearly 500 times and received over 100 re-tweets.
A reporter from ITV Calendar was at the game to interview some of the children involved, along with head teacher Miss Tooley, who organised the project with the Trust’s inclusion officer, Alyss Jackson. The feature was screened on Monday evening.
Miss Tooley was delighted with the outcome. She said: “The quality of the signing on the big screen was fantastic. The children were beyond excited when they saw the big screen.
“They were pointing at the screen and patting their mate on the back when it was their turn to be on the screen. It was just what you’d want it to be and just what you want to see from your young people.”
Club photographer Tina Jenner worked on putting the videos together and she was praised by Miss Tooley, who said: “She came into the school and put the children at ease. She was incredibly patient with the children and I dread to think how many hours she spent editing the work to make it just perfect!
“Tina also made the t-shirts for the children to wear. I’d like to thank Tina and Alyss for their valued efforts.”
