The RFEF and Autismo España Make Spain’s Match a Sensory-Friendly Event
The president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Rafael Louzán, shared the moments leading up to the match with a group of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who took part in the pre-match ceremony before enjoying the game from a specially designed sensory-friendly area at the José Zorrilla Stadium.
Under the slogan “We Are Infinite”, which marked the most recent World Autism Awareness Day, a group of ten people with autism helped turn Spain’s victory over Bulgaria into a true example of inclusion and accessibility.
Moments before kick-off, they gathered on the pitch alongside monitors from the Confederación Autismo España to prepare for the pre-match ceremony and to greet, among others, RFEF President Rafael Louzán and international player Marc Cucurella, who has shown a particular sensitivity towards the cause.
Wearing their noise-reducing headphones, the participants took part in the on-pitch proceedings, carrying the central banner and attending the national anthems ceremony before heading to the Sensory Box created by the RFEF at the Valladolid venue.
“This initiative reflects the RFEF’s strong commitment to improving the matchday experience for people with autism and their families,” explained Amparo Rey, Head of Communications and Institutional Relations at Autismo España, who has been working closely with the federation for years to make football stadiums more accessible spaces.
All national team matches held in Spain now include both the Sensory Box and a Calm Room, designed to help users relax and enjoy the event in a supportive environment.
“Creating a calm space within such a noisy setting as a football stadium is a challenge,” said Nuria Mesa, Accessibility Specialist at Autismo España. “That’s why we provide various sensory objects that help participants reach a state of calm and comfort.”
The partnership between the RFEF and Autismo España continues to grow with each international match, driven by a shared enthusiasm to make football more inclusive and accessible for everyone. As written on the noise-cancelling headphones worn on the pitch — “EQUIPAZO” — together, we all win.
