In the most treacherous of wintery conditions, a snow blizzard in full swing, Katie and I arrived at the Shay Stadium, Halifax at 8.30am Saturday last, in readiness to deliver our Short Course in Disability Awareness to Shay Stadium Stewards.

With the likelihood of the match being postponed we didn’t expect many of the thirty to attend. We were wrong! Nearly all stewards turned up on foot – braving the elements and yet arriving in time for a prompt 9am start.

And what a great morning we had with them. We try to make our sessions fun and interactive whilst addressing some pretty serious and emotive topics including challenging prejudice and stereotypical attitudes, how to offer outstanding customer service, understanding and meeting the needs of disabled visitors and complying and benefiting from the protection stated within the Equality Act 2010.

Our quiz was rowdy like Monday night at your local, our discussions livelier than Question Time on the television. Yet at times the atmosphere could be cut with a knife, you could hear a pin drop, as Katie read parent’s poems and statements about the Visiter Journey and the life of a carer. It was so powerful.

Visits Unlimited are so proud of the delegates in their determination to put into practice what they learnt and really hope to support them in making The Shay Stadium a truly accessible venue for every visitor and sports fan.  All we need now is the fans to enjoy the experience down The Shay.