Unite for Access: Making Sophia Gardens Inclusive for All Fans

10 Jul 2025 |

As part of Unite for Access,  a nationwide initiative to improve access and inclusion for disabled sports fans, Glamorgan County Cricket Club will show its support for the campaign at our Vitality Blast double-header against Gloucestershire on Sunday, 13 July.

 

At Sophia Gardens, we’re proud to provide a range of accessible facilities and support services to ensure every visitor feels welcome, comfortable, and included. Here’s what we offer:

Accessible Parking
 

For domestic Glamorgan County Cricket Club fixtures, we offer free accessible parking just outside Gate 2 – ensuring a convenient and welcoming experience from the moment fans arrive.

For international matches and The Hundred, we hire additional spaces at the Sophia Gardens Pay & Display car park. To minimise walking distance, our team provides a golf buggy shuttle service to help disabled spectators and those needing assistance reach the stadium safely. While parking charges apply for these events, feedback on the shuttle service has been positive.

To request accessible parking, contact us at:
Email: info@glamorgancricket.co.uk
Telephone: 02920 419 382

 

Accessible Toilets 
 

We have 16 accessible toilets across the stadium, including:

  • Jellyfish Stand (Block 10) – Family Toilet and accessible toilet
  • Pavilion (internal) – One on each level
  • Pavilion (external) – One via Block 2
  • National Cricket Centre – One on each level
  • Castell Howell concourse – Two accessible toilets, one Changing Places Facility, and one in the First Aid Room
  • Media Centre – Level 1 (The Terrace) and Level 2 (Written Press Area)
  • Grandstand concourse – Block 21 and Block 26

All accessible toilets require a RADAR key. A steward with a key will always be nearby to help, and one is also available at the Pavilion reception.  

Changing Place Facilities 
 

Located on the Castell Howell concourse (Block 35), this facility can be accessed with a RADAR key. Nearby stewards will always be available to assist.

 

Family Toilet
 

Our dedicated Family Toilet, located underneath the Jellyfish Stand (Block 10), features an accessible toilet, baby-changing station, and mothering area. Access requires a RADAR key, please ask the nearest steward for assistance.

 

Accessible Viewing Areas 
 

Sophia Gardens has three main accessible viewing areas:

  • CM.com Stand – Blocks 19 and 20
  • Members’ Stand – Block 38
  • The Terrace Viewing Platform – Accessible via the Media Centre ground floor lift

 

Dedicated Disability Team
 

On matchdays, a dedicated team of trained accessibility stewards is on hand to support disabled spectators, assisting with seat access and navigation around the stadium. They’re easy to spot in their pink high-visibility vests and are always contactable via radio

 

Sensory Packs
 

For neurodivergent visitors and those with sensory processing needs, including ADHD and autism, sensory packs are available to purchase at the Pavilion reception. Each pack includes ear defenders, a fidget spinner, a stress ball, and a stadium map.

 

Safeguarding Officer
 

During T20s, The Hundred, and international fixtures, an Event Safeguarding Officer (ESO) is always on duty to support the Accessibility Team. The ESO carries wristbands with QR codes that store emergency carer contact details and display the carer’s what3words location, helping to reunite individuals quickly and safely.

 

Disability Premier League Final (DPL)
 

Sophia Gardens was proud to host the 2024 DPL Final between the Pirates and Tridents, held ahead of the England v Australia IT20 fixture. Following positive feedback from both the ECB and supporters, we’re excited to host the DPL Final again in 2025, before the England v South Africa MIT20 fixture on 10 September.

Tickets for the 2025 final are £5 and can be purchased here: Glamorgan CCC | CM.com Ticketing

To learn more, visit the ECB Disability Premier League page: www.ecb.co.uk/disability-premier-league

 

The Greencaps
 

Launched in 2009 as part of the Ashes Legacy, the Greencaps are a group of learning-disabled adults who meet every Monday at Sophia Gardens to play cricket and socialise. They now serve as the Glamorgan Cricket and Cricket Wales Super 1s hub, regularly attracting 20–25 participants, with plans to expand to include younger age groups.

 

More Information
 

To learn more about the work of Level Playing Field, visit: www.levelplayingfield.org.uk

Additional information for disabled fans attending Sophia Gardens can be found on our website here: Spectators With Disabilities | Glamorgan Cricket

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