Wednesday 3 December marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is a day dedicated to raising awareness for and championing a more inclusive world. This year’s theme was “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”.
As a proud Platinum Partner of Hull City, we’re always looking for ways to supporting the club’s work in the community to help create experiences that are accessible for everyone. So, when they approached us about two of their young supporters, Harvey and Ava, we knew we wanted to be involved.
Two Fans with a Love for Football
Harvey and Ava are Hull City supporters through and through. They’ve grown up in black and amber and still attend fixtures at the MKM Stadium whenever they can. Both children live with autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), a rare condition that affects the nerves connecting the eyes to the brain.
As their mum, Elle, explained: “It is the genes in their eyes…their sight starts to deteriorate, so Harvey has gone from seeing all colour to now hardly seeing any sort of colour.” Everyday textures and structures can blend together, making things like fences and poles difficult to see.
The condition also affects how they feel in busy spaces. “If they are in a crowded place, they get really overwhelmed because of the fact that their sight is restricted,” she said. Despite these challenges, their love for football has never wavered. They’ve been attending matches since they were four years old, and the club has become a huge part of their routines, their confidence and their childhood.
A Special Day
At a recent open training session at the MKM Stadium, Phoenix Building Systems and Hull City wanted to give Harvey and Ava a really memorable experience. We invited them down to meet the team, including Head Coach Sergej Jakirović, and spend time behind the scenes. It was the kind of experience that a lot of young fans dream of, but for Harvey and Ava, we could tell it was about more than football.
For Harvey, meeting someone who took the time to listen meant more than anything else. Elle described how emotional he became when Dean Holden greeted him directly: “For him to come over and actually speak to the kids and say: ‘Are you Harvey and Ava?’ Harvey got really overwhelmed and really emotional…he’s got a voice that took time out for him.”
Creating Better Matchday Experiences
With the help of Disability Supporter Liaison Officer Leanne Jensen, matchdays for the family have become more accessible. Moving their seats was a simple change that made a huge difference to how much they could see and enjoy.
Elle shared how much stress this removed for them as a family. “I know that they are comfortable now…ever since getting in touch with Leanne, it’s just made life so much easier, and we are able to enjoy the game.”
Small acts of support, like giving Ava ear defenders when hers were forgotten, also helped the children feel welcomed and understood, instead of being singled out.
More Than Football
For families dealing with conditions people cannot see, everyday situations come with pressure and judgement. Elle shared how exhausting it can be when others make assumptions: “I think the other barrier that they face is because they don’t look disabled, people do judge us.”
It’s one of the reasons Hull City’s support has meant so much to them. The environment they have created has helped both children feel safe, supported and free to enjoy the game they love.
“Being a part of the Hull City family has given him that confidence to be able to feel ok to have a condition and to not have to hide it.”
Looking Ahead
As a modular buildings manufacturer, Phoenix Building Systems has always prioritised accessibility and inclusivity in the spaces we create, but it also shapes how we work, who we support and the partnerships we choose.
Harvey and Ava’s day at the stadium reminded us why inclusive experiences matter. They remove barriers, lift confidence and allow children to simply be themselves.
We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in their story, and just as proud to support a club that continues to champion every member of its community.
