Colwyn Bay FC unveils sensory room for neurodiverse fans
Colwyn Bay Football Club launches a quiet sensory space at the Blue Turtle Arena, enhancing matchday inclusivity for children with special needs.
A new sensory room has opened at Colwyn Bay Football Club’s Blue Turtle Arena, offering a quiet, structured space for neurodiverse children and families on match days.
The facility, dubbed the Quiet Zone, sits in block G of the club’s recently built stand and will be available throughout the Cymru Premier fixtures at the Llanelian Road ground.
Club officials say the room is part of a wider push by the Colwyn Bay Community Foundation to make the stadium more inclusive for supporters with special educational needs.
Designed with calming lighting, soft furnishings and sensory‑friendly equipment, the space aims to reduce the overstimulation that can accompany a bustling football atmosphere.
“The club’s community foundation delivers vital programmes across the Conwy county area and beyond, ranging from education, health and wellbeing, employability, social isolation and much more,” said Carly Johnson, vice‑chair of the foundation.
Josh Antoniou, head of the foundation, added that the club’s outreach extends into SEN schools and community groups, making the stadium’s new offering a natural extension of its work.
“These programmes also span across various SEN schools and groups, and so it was important to us that we made our stadium a welcoming and inclusive space so all those we work with during the week can attend our games comfortably.”
The Quiet Zone joins an existing wheelchair‑accessible stand, reinforcing the club’s commitment to accessibility across its facilities.
Colwyn Bay FC’s recent ownership change saw Jody and Carly Johnson become the club’s principal shareholders in June 2025, after acquiring the shares of former directors Dave and Brian Titchiner.
The Johnsons, who sit on the board as part of a three‑year partnership with the Blue Turtle Group, have overseen a series of community‑focused projects since taking control.
Although the naming rights of the ground were originally linked to the Blue Turtle Group, the renewable‑energy firm entered administration earlier this year. The club now clarifies that the sponsorship arrangement is separate from the company’s financial status and is actively seeking new partners for future naming rights.
Local families have welcomed the development, noting that the sensory room provides a safe haven for younger children who might otherwise find the roar of the crowd overwhelming.
“It’s a relief to know we can bring our son to a match without worrying about him becoming overstimulated,” said a parent who attended the inaugural game after the room opened.
Supporters’ groups have praised the initiative as a model for other clubs in the league, highlighting the tangible benefits of modest, well‑targeted investments in fan experience.
Club chairman Jody Johnson said the sensory room reflects the broader ambition to position Colwyn Bay FC as a community hub, not just a football venue.
“Our aim is to ensure that anyone who wants to be part of a match day can do so comfortably, whether they’re in a wheelchair, have sensory sensitivities, or simply need a quieter environment,” he said.
The sensory room will operate on all home fixtures, with staff on hand to guide families and ensure the space remains a calm, welcoming environment.
As the club looks ahead to the remainder of the season, the Quiet Zone stands as a tangible sign of its commitment to inclusivity, setting a benchmark for other Welsh clubs seeking to broaden their community reach.