New subtitles making a difference on matchdays | OneFootball

Fans may have noticed something different about our jumbo screens on a matchday recently.

We have become one of the first Premier League teams to introduce subtitles during our live matchday production. In doing so, it makes it easier for fans with hearing impairments to keep up with the pre-match and half-time action.

While this might appear a small change, feedback from fans who use subtitles shows that this has made a significant difference to their matchday experience.

We use new technology to deliver the live subtitles, which are generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the USA and beamed onto our screens via satellite in a matter of seconds.

And as part of this year’s Level Playing Field’s Unite for Access campaign, which is coinciding at the same time as AccessibAll’s #TotalAccess Week of Action, we sat down with former City Matters Representative Patricia Robinson (Trish) to talk about the introduction of subtitles.

As a fan with a hearing impairment, Trish first brought the idea of matchday subtitles to the Club’s attention. Since then, the Club has worked with her, as well as our Disabled Supporters Association, to introduce them.

WATCH: City 2-2 Brighton: Extended highlights

Commenting on the titles, Trish said: “Subtitles play a crucial role in helping deaf and hard of hearing individuals follow what’s happening on a match day by providing real-time text for important audio elements such as interviews, stadium and emergency announcements.

“This ensures that supporters who rely on visual information can stay fully informed.

“For me, therefore, I felt included in the whole match day experience rather than excluded before subtitles were introduced. Without this service, I had to rely on people around me explaining what was happening.

It transforms the match day from an event where I felt excluded into one I could fully immerse myself, just like any other supporter.”

In addition to adding subtitles on a match day, the Club has also trialled the provision of in-person British Sign Language at a recent Manchester City Women’s match.

Overall, Level Playing Field’s Unite for Access campaign aims to raise awareness and drive equality for a more inclusive matchday experience for disabled sports fans.

Should you or another fan need assistance, please contact access@mancity.com.

Alternatively, for further information about our Disabled Supporters Association, visit their dedicated page on our website or email ManchesterCityDSA@gmail.com.