Morton Cappie's Corner sensory area celebrates successful first season

The club opened Cappie’s Corner, a dedicated area of the main stand which is suitable for youngsters who need a more calming environment to watch games in, last October.

Since then, the corner has hosted families at almost every home game and provided dozens of children with a more laid-back environment to enjoy watching their local club.

Ruth McBride, her partner Darren Sheekey and their children Libby, Liam and Robyn are among those who have made use of the new area.

READ MORE: Domino's sponsor Morton's new Cappie's Corner area

Ruth and Darren, who have been Ton season ticket holders for many years, have previously been forced to leave matches early due to the crowd noise being too overwhelming for their daughter Libby, who has sensory issues due to autism.

The couple say that new facility means they can now enjoy full fixtures as a family.

Ruth said: “Libby’s got sensory issues due to autism and so she doesn’t really like to stand in the Cowshed.

“But when she’s in the corner she loves it.

“You don’t hear as much but you can still watch the game and enjoy it and if she wants to she can play with fidgets.

“It’s such a good investment.

“Before she either wouldn’t come or I’d be forced to leave early with her because it would just get too much.

“It was such a shame.

“We wouldn’t be able to go to the full games together if it wasn’t for this.

“When we’re in Cappie’s Corner she can go the whole game without asking to leave or getting overwhelmed with the noise.

“Outside of it we maybe get to half-time and then she’ll say she needs to go or she starts getting stressed out.

“It’s such a great move from the club to add this.

“It shows the right approach from the club and that they’re committed to inclusion and having as many people as possible along.

“There are families that wouldn’t get to go to games without this.

“Even if they get a shot just once a season then it gives the kids a chance to learn about the game and the team.

“Before the kids we always came to the games together and having to split up so that one of us can take one of the kids home breaks your heart.

“The fact it has been made available at no cost as well is incredible, we would have been happy to pay but making it free helps mean that families who couldn’t have afforded to come along otherwise can use it.”

As well as providing a safe space for the youngsters and their families, the club are also able to offer those using the facilities a pair of free pizzas, which are provided by Dominos in Greenock as part of a sponsorship deal.

Morton in the Community chief executive Brian McLaughlin told the Tele: “As a community club and with Morton Club Together being the biggest shareholder it’s so important to engage the community and remove potential barriers for people coming here.

“The biggest thing is that families enjoy it, kids enjoy it and parents enjoy it.

“We know there are people who have come here for the first time thanks to this, that barrier of noise and crowd has been reduced.

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“There’s one family that came for the first time this season and their young boy is also now going to football sessions, loves Morton and has gone and got his own strip.

“That’s a wider impact that we didn’t see coming and it’s really special to be a part of.

“If we do something we want to do it right.

“The feedback has been amazing and we can’t wait for next year.”

Anyone wishing to get in touch with the club about making use of Cappie’s Corner should email info@mortoncommunity.net.