St Mirren launches accessibility review with I Am Me Scotland

St Mirren Football Club has begun a wide-ranging review of its accessibility policies and practices to improve the matchday experience for all supporters.

The club has teamed up with Paisley-based charity I Am Me Scotland, which works to promote equality, tackle disability hate crime and make communities more inclusive. The partnership could see St Mirren become the first registered Disability Friendly football club in Scotland.

I Am Me will carry out an independent accessibility review covering access, ticketing, facilities and matchday support. The process will include:

• A “mystery shopper” exercise at the upcoming home match against Dundee, using I Am Me’s ‘Help a Buddie’ tickets. A group of supporters with different accessibility needs will attend to give first-hand feedback on the experience.
• Two in-person workshops at The SMiSA Stadium, open to 30 supporters per session through Eventbrite.
• An online survey to gather views from the wider fanbase on accessibility issues.

The information will be pulled together to identify improvements and create recommendations. These will be considered by an internal review panel, including representatives from the club, SMiSA, the Supporter Liaison Officers, St Mirren Disabled Supporters Association, and other stakeholders. The panel will be chaired by an independent trustee of I Am Me Scotland.

The findings will be presented to the St Mirren board in November, with the aim of publishing a new accessibility policy before half season tickets go on sale. Once the review is complete, all operational staff will receive disability training and the club will be recognised as a Disability Friendly partner.

Keith Lasley, Chief Operating Officer at St Mirren, said:
“We received important feedback from supporters over the summer surrounding our wheelchair, ambulant disabled supporters’ and carer tickets.

“As a fan-owned club, we appreciate the importance of measured feedback and took seriously any concerns that supporters may have had.

“We have worked closely with I Am Me to understand issues surrounding accessibility at St Mirren and are pleased to confirm the creation of our accessibility review that will help shape best-in-class practices going forward.

“We want to enhance the matchday experience for all connected with St Mirren and ensure that everyone is welcome.”