Robyn's Story: How LCFC Helped Young Fan Overcome Matchday Challenges

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Robyn's Story: How LCFC Helped Young Fan Overcome Matchday Challenges

Our upcoming fixture against Newcastle United at King Power Stadium is not just another game - it’s a celebration of inclusivity and support as part of our Disability Matters initiative.

2025-04-04T11:00+01:00

by Admin

Published

04 Apr, 2025

Robyn's Story: How LCFC Helped Young Fan Overcome Matchday Challenges

Our upcoming fixture against Newcastle United at King Power Stadium is not just another game - it’s a celebration of inclusivity and support as part of our Disability Matters initiative.

Admin

2025-04-04T11:00+01:00

Robyn's Story: How LCFC Helped Young Fan Overcome Matchday Challenges

Our upcoming fixture against Newcastle United at King Power Stadium is not just another game - it’s a celebration of inclusivity and support as part of our Disability Matters initiative.

Admin

2025-04-04T11:00+01:00

Robyn's Story: How LCFC Helped Young Fan Overcome Matchday Challenges

Our upcoming fixture against Newcastle United at King Power Stadium is not just another game - it’s a celebration of inclusivity and support as part of our Disability Matters initiative.

Admin

2025-04-04T11:00+01:00

Robyn's Story: How LCFC Helped Young Fan Overcome Matchday Challenges

Our upcoming fixture against Newcastle United at King Power Stadium is not just another game - it’s a celebration of inclusivity and support as part of our Disability Matters initiative.

Admin

2025-04-04T11:00+01:00

Meet 12-year-old supporter Robyn and her father Darren
Robyn will be one of our official mascots on Monday night
The fixture will be dedicated to our Disability Matters initiative

Leading the Foxes out onto the pitch as one of our official mascots on Monday evening will be 12-year-old Robyn, a devoted City fan whose journey to matchdays has been made possible through our continued commitment to accessibility.

The Disability Matters campaign highlights our commitment to inclusivity and how we support fans with disabilities to enjoy the matchday experience on Filbert Way.

A Love For Leicester City

Robyn has been a Leicester City supporter since she was six years old, developing a deep connection with the Club and our beloved mascot - Filbert Fox.

For her, attending matches has always been more than just watching football, it’s been about experiencing the atmosphere and seeing Filbert in person.

However, Robyn’s journey to King Power Stadium has not always been straightforward.

Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of six, she also experiences severe anxiety and heightened sensitivity to sensory input. As she’s grown older, these challenges have intensified, making it increasingly difficult for her to attend matches.

Overcoming Matchday Hurdles

Robyn’s father, Darren, has been a Season Ticket Holder for over 25 years and has always dreamed of sharing his love for Leicester City with his daughter.

However, Robyn’s anxiety around noise, crowds and security procedures often makes matchdays overwhelming.

“There were times when we didn’t even make it out of the house because the thought of going was too much for her,” Darren explains.

“Other times, we’d get halfway to the stadium and have to turn back. It was heartbreaking because she wanted to be there so badly.

“She’d then be really upset with herself because she couldn’t go to see Filbert and watch Leicester City.”

After a particularly difficult experience at the end of last season, Darren reached out to our Disability Liaison Officer, Anna Dickman, in the hope of finding a way to make matchdays more accessible for Robyn.

Leicester City’s Support

The Club immediately stepped in to help, ensuring Robyn had a smoother, less stressful experience when attending games.

Anna worked closely with the family to implement appropriate solutions, including allowing Robyn to use the stadium’s accessible entry and exit points to avoid crowds and stairs.

“Now, when we arrive at the stadium, we give Anna a call, and she comes out to meet us,” Darren says.

“She holds Robyn’s hand and walks her in, which has completely transformed her experience. The anxiety she used to feel about going through security has disappeared.

“Anna and all the staff inside the stadium are really friendly and they can’t do enough for us.”

The support from Leicester City extends beyond just entry into the stadium. Recognising that crowded areas can be distressing for children with disabilities, the Club has also created a dedicated space where young fans like Robyn can watch the players arrive while having the freedom to move around comfortably.

“Robyn likes room to move around and not feel overcrowded, so the Club has created an area for children with disabilities to go and watch the players arrive,” Darren shares.

“This is really good because Robyn is then able to move about freely and doesn’t feel squashed.

“She’s gone from dreading matchdays to planning the next one as soon as the last game ends.”

A Special Matchday as Mascot

As a testament to her journey, Robyn will have the honour of leading the team onto the pitch as one of our official mascots for the Newcastle game.

It’s an experience she is overjoyed about, especially since she’ll be walking out alongside some of her favourite players, which include Facundo Buonanotte and Jamie Vardy.

For Darren, seeing his daughter not only attend but fully enjoy matchdays is something he once thought might not be possible.

“The Club has been incredible. Every single staff member we’ve encountered has been so supportive, and nothing has ever been too much trouble.”

Encouraging Other Families

Darren urges other families who may be facing similar challenges to reach out for support.

“If you’re struggling, contact the Club and speak to Anna. She’s so approachable and will do everything she can to help.

“We’re really grateful as a family to Leicester City for everything they do to support us. They’ve helped to make Robyn’s matchday experience so much better and we’re so thankful for that.

“I’ve now got a little girl who hated going to football because of all the worries to someone who now can’t wait to go.”

Disability Matters

We’re committed to ensuring that every supporter feels welcomed and supported on matchdays.

The Disability Matters fixture is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase our ongoing work in making football accessible to all.

For more information about our accessibility initiatives, or if you have any questions, please contact disability@lcfc.co.uk.

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