### Navigating Football as a Visually Impaired Fan
Rob Crossan, a partially sighted travel journalist, shares a unique perspective on experiencing football from the terraces. His story highlights not only the challenges faced by visually impaired fans but also the joys and camaraderie found in traditional football culture.
### The Importance of Terracing
Old-fashioned terraces were phased out in Premier League stadiums following the tragic Hillsborough disaster in 1989, which claimed the lives of 97 fans. This shift, prompted by the Taylor Report, aimed to enhance safety in football venues. However, for fans like Crossan, the loss of these terraces meant losing a vital way to engage with the game. Terracing allowed him to move freely, following the action and connecting with the atmosphere around him.
In 2022, designated safe-standing areas were introduced at select Premier League and Championship grounds, but they lack the open, fluid experience of traditional terraces. Crossan expresses a clear preference for the latter, stating that the rigid seating arrangements in modern stadiums hinder his ability to enjoy the game fully.
### The Community Aspect of Lower-League Football
Visiting smaller clubs has revealed to Crossan the community spirit that permeates lower-league football. These venues often retain their traditional terraces, serving as equalizers where fans from all walks of life come together. He notes that traditional terraces feel like “comfy old pubs,” where one can mingle freely without the stratification seen in modern stadiums, where ticket prices and seating tiers can create a divide between fans.
For Crossan, these smaller venues offer an authentic football experience, rich with tradition and a sense of belonging. The atmosphere at games, filled with banter and shared experiences, underscores the essence of what football is about. This community connection is especially poignant for him as he reflects on his own journey through life with visual impairments.
### Adapting to Changing Visual Abilities
Crossan recounts how his love for football was ignited during his youth as he attended games at Wrexham. He recalls how the terraced paddock area under the main stand allowed him to follow the linesman and remain engaged with the game. However, as he has aged, his vision has deteriorated, shifting his focus from the details of the match to the overall atmosphere.
This transition highlights an essential aspect of sports fandom: it can evolve alongside personal circumstances. The enjoyment derived from the sport may change, but the passion for the game remains. Crossan’s experience illustrates how football can still provide joy and community, even when visual clarity is compromised.
### Lasting Memories and Unique Experiences
Crossan shares humorous anecdotes from his time at various grounds, painting a vivid picture of the charm of lower-league football. From a seagull stealing a fan’s chips at Arbroath to a fellow supporter knitting during a match at Workington, these memories encapsulate the quirky and welcoming nature of football culture.
These stories not only entertain but also serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of experiences that come with being a football fan. They highlight how, despite the challenges posed by his visual impairments, Crossan finds joy in the unpredictability and community of the sport.
### The Future of Terracing in Football
Reflecting on the future, Crossan acknowledges that the large, unregulated terraces of the past are unlikely to return. However, he believes that with proper management, traditional terraces can still exist safely in smaller grounds. These spaces not only provide a nostalgic link to football’s history but also foster a sense of community that is crucial for fans like him.
As football continues to evolve, the challenge will be finding ways to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all fans, regardless of their physical abilities. Crossan’s insights shed light on the importance of preserving the spirit of the game, emphasizing that football should remain a place for everyone to enjoy, connect, and celebrate their shared passion.