The Hatters' Championship fixture against Portsmouth is dedicated to the Level Playing Field's 'Unite For Access' campaign - a celebration of access and inclusion for disabled sports fans.
Ahead of the match, we will be welcoming participants from the Luton Town Community Trust's weekly Ability Counts football session to enjoy a kickabout on the Kenilworth Road pitch before watching the action from the Bobbers Stand.
During the match itself, we are also proud to have the Luton Town Disabled Supporters' Association chairman Allan Drummond provide a unique take on the action as he teams up with Simon Pitts as co-commentator during the live LTFC+ audio coverage.
Allan is registered blind and since its introduction in 1998, has used Hatters Vision when attending games at Kenilworth Road, with Simon's live commentary coming through special headsets for visually impaired supporters. Allan is pictured below receiving a new headset from Simon in 2017.
This week he'll be sitting right next to the main man and contributing himself to the commentary, with Allan saying: "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vital role commentary plays in enabling us to fully engage with the game.
"Simon's detailed and insightful descriptions are my eyes in the stands, allowing me to visualise every moment of the action.
"We'll also be discussing the work of the LTDSA, the importance of campaigns like Unite For Access, and highlighting how essential accessible commentary is to creating an inclusive matchday experience. It’s a privilege to share this experience and demonstrate the power of accessible sports broadcasting."
The Community Trust's free disability football sessions, Ability Counts, started in 2019. Since then, hundreds of individual participants have enjoyed the physical and social benefits of football.
Ability Counts is our free and inclusive football programme designed for players aged 18 and above with disabilities and attracts an average of 15 participants week in, week out. In the winter, sessions take place every Friday from 12pm–2pm at Inspire Sports Village, moving to a 3G pitch in the warmer months.
The programme provides a supportive environment for players to develop their football knowledge skills and abilities, stay active, and build social connections.
We hope that all of the players and their fellow disabled supporters enjoy the Pompey match and every other occasion they attend a fixture at Kenilworth Road.
