Volunteering

Meet Stuart - a commentator for the Soccer Sight project

Summary: Stuart's love of football and journalism has led him to becoming a volunteer commentator for RNIB's Soccer Sight project.

• Stuart's Story
• Soccer sight project
• Find out more

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Stuart's Story

Stuart Howells has been a volunteer with RNIB since January 2008. As a student currently undertaking a Broadcast Journalism course he was really interested when a friend showed him a volunteering advertisement for a 'Commentator' role in a Football programme.

'Football is a personal interest of mine and I thought that gaining some experience of commentating would be really useful experience for the Broadcast Journalism course that I am doing. I already have some experience of sports writing and I also do some work for the BBC, ultimately I'd like a career in this industry.'

'The recruitment process was really straight forward. Initially I completed an application pack. Once this had been processed I was invited to attend a training day at Nottingham Forest Football Ground. The training day was really interesting, there was a member of the BBC there who gave us all some useful tips and techniques on how to commentate professionally. We then had the opportunity to practice our new skills by commentating to a video. The coaching we were given beforehand was very useful with this exercise!'

'You do have to be more descriptive when considering the needs of blind and partially sighted people. For example, I need to explain which player currently has possession of the ball and exactly where they are at that moment. It is incredibly important to be as accurate as you can so that your audience can enjoy the game, and the goals, at the same time as you.'

'Notts County Football Club are really supportive of the 'Soccer Sight' project and their fans are very positive about the new service too. If a blind or partially sighted person wishes to use this commentary service they ask for a headset from the ticket office and they get to enjoy the game from the very beginning. We now have regular fans that come back every week and use this service.'

'This is the first time I've volunteered with the RNIB and I am really enjoying it, I would definitely recommend it to others. I get to use and develop my skills further and if the commentary only helps one person to enjoy a football match then it is all worth it. I'm so glad to have had this opportunity and I definitely plan to carry on for many more seasons to come.'

Soccer sight project

Soccer Sight aims to improve access to football venues and provide playing opportunities for blind and partially sighted people in England and Wales. The project works closely with major football organisations and professional clubs to appraise and improve the facilities, stadiums and services provided for blind and partially sighted supporters at football clubs. The project, supported by the youth volunteering charity v, the Football Foundation and HBOS, has identified the main issues concerning access to football for blind and partially sighted people. These include:

• Accessible Information, programmes and websites
• Signage
• Access to merchandise and refreshments
• Provision for Guide Dogs
• Seating and sight lines
• Commentary and commentary systems
• Training of staff and stewards

RNIB initially worked with a group of seven clubs in England and Wales, Brighton and Hove Albion, Halifax Town, Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Bristol City, Swansea City and Cardiff City. With further funding in 2007 we have been able to include another 11 clubs; Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City, Yeovil Town, Swindon, Watford, Ipswich Town, Norwich City, Peterborough United, Notts County, Nottingham Forest and Hereford United.

Find out more

For more information about this, and our many other projects, visit the volunteering home page for details of opportunities in your area.

Content author: volunteering@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/10/2008 15:51