Everton becomes first football club to earn sensory accessibility Gold Standard

Published August 19, 2026
Last Updated August 19, 2026
By Editor

Everton has become the first football club to be awarded the Zensory Gold Standard for its sensory accessibility provision at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Blues’ waterfront home received the accreditation following a detailed review of how effectively the stadium supports people with sensory sensitivities and neurodivergent needs.

The assessment examined a range of key sensory elements, including soundproofing, visual design and access to calm spaces.

Hill Dickinson Stadium, which opened in August 2025, features a dedicated sensory box where supporters and their families can enjoy matches from indoor or outdoor viewing areas.

Located in the south-west corner of the stadium, the sensory box is equipped with specialist sensory equipment and has reserved seating immediately outside its windows, allowing supporters to choose whether to watch the action from inside or from the stands.

An adjoining sensory room provides a dedicated breakout space for anyone using the sensory box who may need time away from the matchday environment or more focused sensory support.

Two additional quiet rooms are also available elsewhere inside Hill Dickinson Stadium. Separate from the sensory box and sensory room, they are open to all match attendees on a first-come, first-served basis and provide calm, controlled spaces for children and adults who may become overwhelmed.

Zensory specialises in creating neuroinclusive sensory spaces and recently launched an accreditation scheme for venues.

Following its assessment of Everton’s facilities, the organisation described those at Hill Dickinson Stadium as “a benchmark for others to aspire to”.

Stephen Nurse, Founder of Zensory, said:

“We are delighted to name Hill Dickinson Stadium our first Gold Standard accredited venue.

“There is growing recognition that neurodivergent individuals and those with sensory needs often face barriers to fully enjoying live events and public spaces.

“The Zensory accreditation provides organisations with a credible framework to demonstrate meaningful action and commitment in this area.

“Importantly, it also helps move the conversation beyond basic compliance and towards genuinely inclusive experiences.

“We are already seeing increased interest from venues, clubs and organisations that recognise both the social importance and long-term value of sensory inclusion. Everton being the first recipient positions the Club as an early leader in this space, while being the first Gold Standard accredited venue also helps create a clear picture of what excellence in sensory accessibility and inclusion looks like.” 

Its comprehensive audit considered areas including the physical sensory environment and quiet spaces, accessibility and wayfinding, staff awareness, operational procedures, the overall matchday experience, availability of sensory support resources and Everton’s commitment to continued improvement and inclusion.

The Gold Standard recognition further strengthens Hill Dickinson Stadium’s accessibility credentials while establishing Everton as the first football club to achieve the accreditation.

Nurse added:

“The accreditation was created to recognise organisations that are genuinely introducing sensory inclusion and neurodiversity awareness into their environments, operations and customer experience.

“A number of audits and assessments have already been carried out across different sectors, including sports venues, museums, hospitals and public spaces as part of the development and benchmarking phase of the accreditation.

“Many industries already have recognised standards that signify quality, trust and excellence, whether that’s Michelin Stars within hospitality or Food Hygiene Ratings within food service.

“I believe the Zensory accreditation represents the beginning of a similarly meaningful journey within accessibility and inclusion, helping to drive higher standards and more consistent experiences across sports, events and public spaces on a larger scale.

“Everton becoming the first officially accredited organisation is therefore a significant milestone and helps establish a recognised benchmark for the industry moving forward.”

Chris Massam, Accessibility Lead at Everton, said:

“We are incredibly proud of Hill Dickinson Stadium’s sensory box and sensory room, and this accreditation acknowledges the enhancement those facilities have made to matchdays for so many families.

“As a Club, we strive to create an environment and spaces where everyone feels welcomed, supported and able to enjoy the matchday experience.

“This recognition from Zensory reflects the dedication, collaboration and genuine commitment of so many people across the Club who have worked tirelessly to make our stadium, and particularly our sensory room, a place where fans can feel comfortable and included.

“We will also use it as motivation to continue listening, learning and building on the standards we have set so that every supporter has the opportunity to enjoy Everton in an environment that works for them.”

To find out more about Hill Dickinson Stadium’s sensory room and sensory box facilities, click here. To learn about Zensory and its goals, click here.