By Fulham FC

The Club, in conjunction with the Fulham Disabled Supporters Association (DSA), is pleased to announce the introduction of a new scheme aimed at improving the matchday experience of supporters with hidden disabilities.

The scheme which was first trialled at Gatwick Airport in 2016 has now been introduced at several other international airports in the UK, including London Heathrow and Manchester. Tesco and Sainsbury’s supermarkets are also trialling the scheme.

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The lanyards are bright green in colour and club branded. The lanyard is completely optional and is designed as a way for the stewarding and matchday staff at Craven Cottage to discretely identify supporters with hidden disabilities and provide the appropriate assistance. Access to facilities such as disabled bathrooms will not require use of the lanyard.

Fulham DSA Secretary Iain Davie, who has first-hand experience of caring for a junior with hidden disabilities, said: “We are really pleased to launch this with the Club as this will allow stewards and officials at Craven Cottage to recognise that you have a hidden disability, without the need to declare it. We hope that those who wish to wear them will feel independent and secure whilst in and around the ground knowing that you can find help and support should you need it.”

Fulham DSA Chairman Mark Davies commented: “We are delighted to launch the FFC Sunflower Lanyard scheme. This is another example of how the Club and the DSA are working together to try and offer the best matchday experience possible to everyone.”

Fulham FC Supporter Relations Manager Nicola Walworth stated: “We are pleased to launch this. We have met monthly with the DSA since December 2018 and it is great to see that our dialogue has resulted in an initiative which will improve the matchday experience for our supporters with hidden disabilities.”

Any supporter who would like to make use of the Sunflower Lanyard scheme should email enquiries@fulhamfc.com, or call 0343 208 1222, and the Club will post one out. Please note proof of eligibility may be required.

The Fulham FC DSA will be officially launching at the Nottingham Forest fixture on Saturday 24th August, and they can be followed on twitter: @FulhamDSA