CAFE recently held a two-day seminar in Paris to provide audio-descriptive commentary training to media students as part of the UEFA EURO 2016 Respect Access for All project.

This project aims to ensure that disabled fans can enjoy an inclusive UEFA EURO 2016 tournament, with CAFE also delivering audio-descriptive commentary at each match during the Finals.  

30 media students from across France came together last week to begin specialist training, with the seminar hosted in partnership with CAFE’s local project partner, the Federation des Aveugles de France.

By the end of the seminar the volunteers had all had their first experiences of delivering audio-descriptive commentary, both individually and alongside a partner.

Local blind football fans Yvan Wouandji and Hakim Arezki also attended the training seminar and provided detailed feedback on how the project volunteers could further develop their skills

Yvan and Hakim shared their typical matchday experiences and explained why audio-descriptive commentary is important as part of their enjoyment of watching live football alongside their fellow fans.

Speaking after the seminar, CAFE Media & Communications Manager Mike Rice said, “It was a pleasure to spend the last two days with such a motivated group of volunteers. There was a great atmosphere during the training with the volunteers from host cities across France coming together in friendship and to support each other during their training”. 

The project volunteers are largely media students, who are enthusiastic and keen to take part in this unique experience at the start of their careers. CAFE hopes that many of these volunteers will continue to use their newly-developed skills long after the tournament and to take this experience and message of inclusion with them into their future media and broadcasting roles. 

Following the initial seminar, the volunteers have now begun an intensive training programme with weekly activities and ongoing specialist support. We look forward to watching the volunteers develop their skills in the build-up to the UEFA EURO 2016 Finals.

For more information about audio-descriptive commentary and the UEFA EURO 2016 Respect Access for All project, please contact CAFE by email to [email protected] or visit our website at www.cafefootball.eu.

Published 30/03/2016