FOLLOWING consultation with community and faith leaders in the Borough of Bolton, Bolton Wanderers Football Club opened a purpose-built quiet room at its Reebok Stadium.
After successfully launching its "Unity and Diversity" initiative, Wanderers were keen to act on recommendations that a quiet room facility would be advantageous to attract new supporters from the religious and culturally-diverse communities of the town. Upon receiving these recommendations, the "Unity and Diversity" Cohesion Steering Group, which comprises of Club and Council officials, community cohesion officers and business leaders, recognised that staff and visitors to the stadium may need a place to pray or reflect on matchdays.
The room, located in the West Stand lower concourse, is open to all supporters, staff, players and visitors to the Reebok Stadium and provides them with a comfortable place for worship and contemplation.
Supporters wishing to use this facility, who are located in other areas of the stadium, can still gain access to the quiet room by asking a steward. Stewards will escort supporters to the room.
Those visiting the Reebok Stadium or the De Vere Whites Hotel on non-matchdays can be provided with a quiet room facility by prior arrangement.
Wanderers' Club Chaplain, Reverend Phil Mason, who instigated this facility, said:
"The creation of a quiet room is one way in which we can ensure the needs of all our staff and supporters are met.
"We are delighted we have been able to provide this facility and greatly appreciate the hard work put in by all those whose vision and determination turned the initial proposal for the room into reality.
"The quiet room project was the first of many initiatives we hope to implement over time."
