The Philadelphia Eagles are actively working to make football accessible for all children, with a special emphasis on those with autism. Through various initiatives, the team is committed to providing opportunities for children with sensory needs to enjoy the game in a supportive environment.
The Eagles’ foundation has long funded autism research. They fight each and every day to increase advocacy and awareness for the condition. They have put these positive, real-world solutions into practice that allow children with autism to participate and enjoy the sport. This means increased partnerships with non profits, CBOs, and faith based organizations in providing holistic support to these kids in impactful, measurable ways.
Prominent members of the Eagles’ offensive line, including Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata, play an essential role in these efforts. Led by offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, they participate in fun and interactive activities with the team’s youngest fans. These events are primarily about education and grassroots engagement. The players, alongside the Eagles cheerleaders, cheer on children as they learn the game of football, fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
The foundation has made other big moves, too, including installing one-of-a-kind sensory rooms at all NFL stadiums. These rooms offer a quiet space to help fans who experience sensory overload. Here, they can immerse themselves in the game experience without sensory overload shutting down the fun. In particular, Kylie Kelce has recently been a loud and proud advocate for autism awareness. Shemariah has launched a new mobile sensory room, which will increase accessibility for neurodiverse children at games.
The Eagles’ approach proves that bringing the community in and focusing on emerging solutions can create a strong bipartisan model for other teams to follow. By prioritizing accessibility, they aim to show that football can be an inclusive sport for everyone, regardless of their challenges.
