LCFC Legend Elliott Meets Fans With Autism

- Foxes legend supports Club’s backing of Autism Awareness Week
- League Cup winning captain met a group of fans with autism, who are all supported by Autism East Midlands 
- Autism Awareness Week aims to change attitudes to help create a society that works for people on the autistic spectrum 

Matt – who captained City to victory in the 2000 League Cup Final at Wembley – met a group of 16 LCFC supporters with autism, who are all part of Autism East Midlands.

Joined on the call by some of the members of the Club’s Equality Working Group, Matt took the time to talk about his footballing journey, while answering questions about his career in a Foxes shirt as well as his thoughts on the current campaign.

The call was also an opportunity to check in on those supported by Autism East Midlands to see how they’ve been coping during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matt said: “It was great to chat to everyone and to be able to answer some of their questions and make them laugh! Their passion and enthusiasm for LCFC really came across and it was lovely to meet them all and to get to know them a little bit. 

“The Club are doing an enormous amount of work in this area, so celebrating campaigns such as Autism Awareness Week will really help to better people’s understanding of autism and raise awareness of some of the challenges autistic people can face.”

Autism Awareness Week (29 March - 4 April) is an initiative that, through the National Autistic Society, aims to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for people on the autistic spectrum.

Dave said: “I really enjoyed talking to Matt. He was very friendly, and it was amazing hearing about some of his stories and the experiences he had as a football player.

“I love anything to do with Leicester City, so this call has really put a smile on my face and made me very happy.”

In August 2019, as part of LCFC’s commitment to becoming a more autism-friendly organisation, a Sensory Hour was introduced in the Foxes Fanstore at King Power Stadium.

Furthermore, Autism Packs, which include ear defenders and sensory tangles, are available on matchdays for people living with autism, their families and carers.

Kevin Pakenham, Trainer For Care, City & Guilds Assessor and Internal Verifier at Autism East Midlands, said: “This was a fabulous experience for the people we support, and we’re so grateful to Leicester City for organising it because it’s something we won’t forget for a very long time!

“Matt was absolutely fantastic and some of the stories he shared were brilliant! They will have taken so much from this call and it will have definitely raised their spirits, so thank you to everyone involved.” 

Please click HERE for more information about the work the Football Club does to help supporters with disabilities.

For further details about Autism Awareness Week, please click HERE.