 |
Newcastle United are redefining the matchday experience for deaf and hard of hearing fans with a revolutionary haptic kit.
The shirt looks like a normal replica but it will turn noise into real-time touch sensation using special sensors and motors, known as haptic technology.
This allows deaf fans to feel the energy of the crowd during a live match.
The revolutionary kit will be used for the first time during a Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.Sela and @NUFC have created a first in football, delivering a spectacular experience for deaf fans, helping them to feel the atmosphere of a live football match.
— sela | صلة (@Sela) April 11, 2024
The "Unsilence The Crowd” campaign follows the journey of lifelong Newcastle United fans, Ryan and David, as they feel… pic.twitter.com/DXlulqqVaY
READ MORE: 74 English soccer clubs feature on world's longest multi-club scarf
Newcastle's shirt sponsor Sela will also donate its shirt sponsorship rights to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) for the match to raise awareness.
RNID is a national charity which supports 12 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or health.
More clubs are using sign language during stadium announcements and on big screens whilst the RNID has carried out extensive research to show haptic technology improves the match day experience.
READ MORE: Argentine soccer club subtly changed badge to raise awareness of testicular cancer
Sela has committed to providing this technology at all future Newcastle home games and hopes its actions will inspire football clubs across the Premier League, Europe and beyond to build on efforts to improve accessibility.
Ibrahim Mohtaseb, Senior Vice President of Sela, said:
St. James' Park is renowned for its noise and passion. Through this initiative we hope to enable deaf fans and fans with hearing loss to feel a part of this.
We would welcome the whole football family to join us by adopting the technology.
By acting now, we can collectively make watching live football matches an incredible experience for everyone who loves the game.
For any enquiries, please contact us here.
