As part of the 'EFL Day of Disabilities', PNE.Com spoke to a long serving season ticket holder who now has the pleasure of taking his children to the place he knows all too well.
Rev. Keith Borwick has been a Preston North End fan for many years, and was keen for both Josh and Chloe Borwick to follow suit.
As straight forward as that may sound, both children have Coffin-Lowry Syndrome, a rare and genetic disease which affects both their physical and mental health, which may have led to limitations when it came to their followship of the Lilywhites.
However, Keith and his children have been able to enjoy coming to Deepdale and watching North End with ease as proud season ticket holders on a matchday.
When Saturday comes and its matchday at Deepdale, Keith concedes that the day is more than just a day out.
“Being at Deepdale for the children gives them that normality in their life,” told Keith on a day which celebrates access and inclusion in football.
“At Deepdale, they’re just a supporter like everybody else. Usually, they’ll attend disability holiday clubs etc. as oppose to regular stream holiday clubs but at Deepdale they can all be together as one. It’s fantastic respite for my partner as it gives her a breather whilst I’m taking them on the game.”
Preston North End remain committed as a football club to consistently improving our matchday provision, and that includes access for disabled supporters, whether it be at home or away games, or through the week with a number of community initiatives provided by the Community and Education Trust.
“We have disabled children and carer season tickets which gives us that flexibility if one of them isn’t feeling up to it,” continued Keith.
“Chloe enjoys the welcome from the staff and the overall community aspect at Deepdale. We all receive a warm welcome when we come into the lift and the staff are very helpful.
“Hannah [Disabled Liaison Officer at PNE] is always very helpful, especially in helping us getting in touch with other Disabled Liaison Officers at other football clubs when we’re attending away games.
"Having that real inter club connection between supporters and clubs working together to provide better disabled provisions makes it so beneficial for us.”