New block for deaf fans at FC Schalke 04

New block for deaf fans at FC Schalke 04

Since the start of the 2021/2022 season, FC Schalke 04 has now also provided a deaf block in addition to the block for people with disabilities and the blind reportage. There, stadium announcements and important information will be conveyed to the fans by sign language interpreters.

The idea originated within the affected community, as the project was developed together with the Deaf Fan Club and the “Schalke for All” working group. The block contains a total of 30 seats, ten day tickets and 20 season tickets. The seats will be available to both home and visiting fans, as the aim is to create barrier-free communication for deaf football fans.

More participation in the stadium experience

The service includes a clear view of sign language interpreter Melanie Bloemkolk as well as the stadium experience within the community, as barrier-free communication is central to a stronger sense of community and more participation in the stadium experience. Everything that could be difficult to understand around the game is already interpreted. This includes the stadium pre-match programme as well as videos on the cube or fan chants that give an extra push of emotion. In addition, a team of interpreters is to be set up in the future so that the service can be guaranteed permanently.

The next step concerns the infrastructure at the kiosk. The members of the Deaf fan club have suggested putting out menu cards that people can point to in order to place their orders. In addition, the entire pre-programme, including videos, is to become accessible in the future. Without appropriate music and context, moving images are often emotional but difficult to understand – this is where the sign language interpreter already provides support.

Continuously promoting accessibility and inclusion

The working group “Schalke for All” came into being on the occasion of the 2018 local conference at Schalke, which was supported by the Bundesliga funding pool PFiFF. The group, consisting of supporters and members from fan clubs, fan organisations, S04 staff and committed volunteers, works with a focus on constantly driving forward accessibility and inclusion.

Topics include improvements in ticketing, websites, away trips and barrier-free areas throughout the VELTINS Arena, as well as anti-discrimination work. The “Schalke for All” working group follows the principle: Accessibility at Schalke is everyone’s business. Accessibility is wide-ranging, which is why the topics are diverse. In addition to infrastructural barriers, social, linguistic and institutional barriers are also on the agenda.