Derby County fans raised funds to run Ram’s sensory room for 2022

Derby County fans raised funds to run Ram’s sensory room for 2022

The support of Derby County’s fans who have backed the first ever 1884 Wall, an installation outside the South Stand, has seen over £11,000 generated for the Pride Park Sensory Room.

Derby County Community Trust launched the new initiative to give fans the chance to purchase a space for their name at the stadium, with all proceeds allowing the ongoing costs of providing the Sensory Room to be covered, meaning more families are able to access the facility.

Opened in 2019, the room has been able to support many families to watch Derby County play first-hand, an experience many thought was unachievable. It has also given some of those who have used the room to gain the confidence to go and watch the Rams in the stands, or even travel to an away day in the case of Liam and his stepson Arnold, who used the room at the start of the 2021-22 season.

“The staff are brilliant, always checking if we were okay. Arnold showed no signs of anxiety which was a surprise – but a good surprise! We were then confident enough to take him to the following home game in the stands. The opportunity to come here, is here. Everything that the Trust do is for the community and the money that goes into this is well worth it.”

Liam Arnold

“Since opening the Sensory Room some season ago now, we have been determined to make it a permanent feature for fans and their families. We strive to provide opportunity for all, and this facility sums that up. […] The response to The 1884 Wall has been incredible and we are truly grateful to all the fans who have purchased a space to allow us to continue to help those with autism or additional needs to attend games at Pride Park. […] It’s been the perfect way of working together as a Trust and as a Club, to help those who can’t always access games, to know that this space is there for them.”

Simon Carnall, Head of Community at Derby County Community Trust

Installed outside the South Stand, fans were invited to go and find their name ahead of the Sheffield United fixture Saturday, 15th January, and share with the Trust by using the #1884Wall.

The 1884 Wall will remain in place for a full calendar year, with spaces going back on sale in December 2022.