Everton Football Club was recognised as ‘Champion of Champions’ at Autism Together’s Rose Gold Gala Ball and inaugural Autism Gold Awards.

Hosted at The Shankly Hotel on 2 November, the evening celebrated the 50^th anniversary of Autism Together, with the awards being the first of their kind in Merseyside and included categories such as ‘Lifetime Achievement’, ‘Staff Excellence’ and ‘Community Hero’.

The Autism Gold Awards seek to celebrate the work of the city’s many Autism Champions and the ‘Champion of Champions’ award is presented to the organisation which embodies the most positive, can-do and inclusive approach to the autism community.

The Blues were up against tough competition in the ‘Champion of Champions’ category in the form of The Tate and Liverpool John Lennon Airport and were selected as winners by a panel of judges in recognition of its work in training nearly 250 of its staff in autism awareness as well as employing stewards on the autism spectrum. The Club also runs monthly sessions for children on the spectrum and is currently in the process of creating an off-site sensory room for young people to access on a matchday.

Kim Healey, People Director at Everton, said: “It is an honour to receive this award. At Everton we pride ourselves on welcoming and accommodating all our supporters needs. We are fully committed to raising awareness and supporting the needs of any supporters living with autism, both home and away, to make sure they feel part of the Everton family.

“We train all our relevant fan-facing staff with the knowledge, confidence and awareness to provide people living with autism the support they need to enjoy the Goodison Park experience.”

Everton Football Club have worked in partnership with Autism Together and Autism Adventure for over two years and became one of the first nine businesses in the city of Liverpool to sign up to the Autism Charter, thus becoming an Autism Champion which is a public commitment to champion best practise solutions in terms of removing barriers for people and families who are affected by autism. This includes a commitment to train staff and empowers them to make informed reasonable adjustments to enable a more inclusive environment for all.

Founded in 1968 as Wirral Autistic Society, Autism Together is now one of the country’s leading providers of services and support to people with autism and their families.

For more information on Autism Together visit www.autismtogether.co.uk