Virtual reality headset 'life-changing' for visually impaired football fan

For years, Ryder, 10, who is visually impaired, has experienced football matches involving his favourite team with commentary from his parents.

But for a recent Cardiff City game he was loaned a virtual reality (VR) headset, transforming the way he connects with the sport.

Ryder described the experience at the club's home game against Luton Town in March - as "100 out of 10", saying he could "see everything".

The headset, by GiveVision, allows fans to zoom in on the action, giving people like Ryder an enhanced match day or entertainment experience.

"Usually, all I can see are a couple of shapes and blurs, so I just look out for the blue shirts," said Ryder, a Cardiff season ticket holder.

"When we score I can't see it so I have to wait for the crowd.

"The headset was a lot better, I could see everything - all the goals, defending and goalkeeper saves. It was amazing.

"I had the choice to look around the stadium or watch the game, I could zoom in and out of the pitch whenever I wanted."

Ryder was born with microphthalmia and coloboma - when one or both eyes are abnormally small and underdeveloped.

"It doesn't hold him back," said his mum, Kirsty.

"He goes on the biggest rollercoasters, biggest water slides, he plays football, he's on the go non-stop."

His dad David said that at games Ryder - who aspires to become the Cardiff City drummer - relies on commentary from his parents and the noise of the crowd.

David said he contacted GiveVision, a UK company who are developing technology that can enhance sporting and entertainment events for visually impaired people, believing the headset would be "great for Ryder".

Stan Karpenko of GiveVision said: "We introduced the headset because over one million fans in the UK are currently excluded from live match day experiences.

"Currently, the attendance rate across the UK is approximately one visually impaired spectator for every 3,000 fans."

He added: "To put that in perspective at Principality Stadium, we typically see under 25 users per match."

Although available at a limited number of sporting venues, the company are planning to help a lot more venues adopt their technology.

"A number of Premier League venues will be coming online soon," Karpenko said.

"Because many stadiums still do not offer this service, we loan the kit to supporters for free to help fans like Ryder and his family enjoy the match day experience.

"Any fans interested in a loan can contact us and we will happily provide a device."

Ryder's experience was certainly an enjoyable one and his mum could not help but feel emotional during the game.

"Cardiff City is his favourite place in the world, so for him to follow that game and being able to bring things closer to him through the headset has been really beneficial," Kirsty said.

"I think he was a bit blown away with it all. I asked him how he rated his day out of 10, he said 100, and that it was the best day ever.

"I felt very emotional, knowing how passionate he is about Cardiff. It made us realise how much he's missed out on."

Ryder's parents said although the experience had been unforgettable, it was "bittersweet" because the headset was given to him on loan.

"I feel like we've given him this opportunity and then we've sort of taken it away from him," Kirsty said.

The couple are in discussions with the club in the hope of making more events more accessible to him in the future, while they also hope that talking about his experience can help raise awareness.

"Hopefully things will progress and we can get Ryder one for every game and hopefully anyone who needs them has access to them," David said.