Every autistic person has their own experiences and opinions. To mark Autism Acceptance Week we spoke to Ryan, an autistic Pools fan and HUST member, about his early years, way into football, and what could be done to encourage more autistic people to come to the Vic.

An ongoing campaign to make sure that everybody feels welcome at the Vic took another step forward on Tuesday as HUST President, Julia Newton, was joined by representatives of the North East Autism Society, HUSA, HUDSA, and the club, to launch a host of activities aimed at supporting Autism Acceptance Week and forward through the next month.

Her Game Too was launched less than a year ago to initially raise awareness of sexism in football. Since then 55 professional clubs, and many more grassroots outfits, have signed up and the group have become more ambitious.
HUST have spoken to Eve Ralph, a Bristol city fan and one of the group’s founders, and Jill Simmonds who sits in the Cyril Knowles and recently became Pools’ ambassador for Her Game Too, about the movement and how the club can get involved.

As part of our on-going commitment to celebrating and promoting diversity at Hartlepool United, HUST are launching a new community ticket initiative, kicking off in April to tie in with Autism Awareness Month!

“Many football clubs around the country support the national campaign Rainbow Laces to spread the message that football should be inclusive to all – our local supporters club are not only doing that, but they have also given people an opportunity to alleviate fears and once again be a part of something they love.”