The Owls are proud to align to a new campaign alongside Sheffield City Council, Sheffield and Hallam FA and the Yorkshire Sport Foundation to encourage people with differing needs to attend football matches.
The Team Up! initiative is the first of its kind and has been welcomed by the EFL and Sports Grounds Safety Authority.
Personnel at Hillsborough including stewards, ticket office and shop staff will receive special awareness training
The scheme is launched during South Yorkshire Safeguarding week, 9-16 July, and has been developed in consultation with parents, carers, children and young people and vulnerable adults.
Jane Haywood, Chair of Sheffield’s Safeguarding Board, said: “Sheffield is the place where football started and where everyone counts.
"Through our safeguarding partnership we are working closely with the clubs, so that people with mental health and other types of additional needs are all equally recognised and responded to in the same way that we have measures in place to safeguard spectators with physical disabilities. We are very proud of our local football clubs who are developing the initiative.”
Councillor Jackie Drayton, cabinet member for children and families at Sheffield City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see this innovative project launch in Sheffield. We want everyone to be able to access sports venues, and this programme will ensure that all children and young people are able to enjoy this experience.”
The Owls Safeguarding Officer, Matt Foster, added: “The Team Up! Initiative is a great way of supporting fans with hidden disabilities to attend football matches.
"The collaboration allows expertise to be shared amongst the group. At Sheffield Wednesday we are proud to support a diverse fan base and are committed to improving access to all.”