Panathinaikos FC have revealed their new set of kits for the 2020-21 season, which includes the club's name written in braille on the back above each player's number. 

In collaboration with Greek NGO 'the Lighthouse of the Blind', the club's new home, away and third kits will all have 'Panathinaikos' written in braille.  

The addition of the embossed printing will give blind and partially sighted Panathinaikos fans access to the club's shirts like never before. The club are planning to donate part of the shirt sale revenue to their charitable partner, 'the Lighthouse of the Blind', in continuing to support partially sighted and blind people locally.  

This forms part of the Club's corporate social responsibility initiative "Panathinaikos to Everyone" which also includes work with partners including the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

CAFE Media and Communications Manager Michael Rice said, "This is a very creative and public gesture, which will help to bring greater awareness to the club's partially sighted and blind fans. Panathinaikos have pledged to support the wider inclusion of their disabled fans, and this is a great way of showing how seriously they take this important topic".

Panathinaikos Disability Access Officer Katerina Basari said, "At Panathinaikos we are committed to ensuring all of our fans can support the team in an inclusive manner. Through this project we particularly want to show our appreciation to our blind and partially sighted fans, and to help to improve the situation firstly in their everyday life as well as in supporting their favourite club".

"By adding Braille to the new kits of our team, we are enabling partially sighted and blind people to feel connected to their club whilst hopefully raising awareness and encouraging other clubs to move in a similar direction", added the club's CSR lead, Constantina Skorda.

A similar initiative took place last season at Bayer Leverkusen, as the club celebrated 20 years of providing their audio-descriptive commentary (ADC) service. The club's players wore limited-edition shirts adorned with the club's main sponsor written in braille.

CAFE works with stakeholders across the game to use the power of football to improve access and inclusion. ADC is an increasingly popular service, which supports partially sighted and blind fans in enjoying an inclusive matchday experience.

For further information on inclusive services such as audio-descriptive commentary and for advice on how to implement them at your stadiums and clubs, please contact CAFE via email to [email protected] or call +44(0)208 065 5108.

Published 15/10/2020