Wrexham AFC first in UK to offer match-day support in Makaton

Wrexham AFC say they are “delighted” to announce the club’ Quiet Zone now has bronze Makaton Friendly Status, with the Club becoming the first in Wales to attain Makaton Friendly Status and the first in the UK to offer match-day support in Makaton.

Staff across the Club underwent training, including those in the Club Shop, ticket office and media department, as well as our accessible entrance stewards, Quiet Zone friendly face stewards, Wrex the Dragon and club captain Ben Tozer. We also have an away steward trained, for any visiting supporters who may need support.

Makaton is a language programme, which uses signs together with speech and symbols to enable people to communicate.

Wrexham AFC Disability Liaison Officer, Kerry Evans, said: “We are delighted to have attained bronze Makaton Friendly status and to once again be blazing a trail not just in Wales but across the UK for inclusivity.

“Alongside our Quiet Zone, we were pleased to have staff across a wide cross-section of the Club receive training in Makaton, including Club captain Ben Tozer.

“I would like to thank all staff for their efforts, as well as Amanda Glennon for her help and support.

“We look forward to welcoming fans using Makaton symbols to the Racecourse Ground for the 2022/23 season.”

Amanda Glennon, Makaton Ambassador and Tutor said: “It has been wonderful to see the commitment to inclusive communication and use of Makaton throughout Wrexham AFC.

“The Quiet Zone has been an obvious focus for the team so that visitors who may need a helping hand with communication are included, but awareness and training has taken place across all areas and include a match day away steward and player.”

For more information on Makaton, visit the Makaton website here.