A Grimsby Town fan has thanked Albion for making it possible for his son with autism to watch their historic FA Cup quarter final tie today.
Lifelong supporter Mark James is travelling down with his son George, four, and said they cannot wait for what will be a “special day”.
George is non-verbal and has mobility issues and his dad said going to away games normally takes “weeks of planning”.
Mark, 47, contacted Albion following Grimsby’s historic 2-1 win over Premier League Southampton to get into the quarter final.
Grimsby, who are in League Two, reached the quarter final for the first time in 84 years with their victory over Albion’s Premier League neighbours.
Brighton offered their inclusion room for George and Mark.
He said: “On the way back from the Southampton game, I emailed Brighton and within about half an hour, they responded saying we will keep in contact.
“About a week ago, someone contacted me saying they were opening up the inclusion room and they would love to have Georgie come to the game with his carer who is me.
“The room has three elements to it, it has a quiet area, an actual inclusion room where you can sit and you also have the option to sit in the seats provided.
“It will be George’s seventh game, he has a pretty good record. All the Grimsby fans have been really good with him. I seem to be getting referred to as George’s dad now rather than Mark.
“My dad took me to the Grimsby games when I was four, I had a season ticket. Taking George to the football at an early age is important to me because I want to make it as inclusive as possible.
“Football grounds now are quickly trying to make sure the football experience for everyone is as inclusive as possible.
“Football teams are reaching out to supporters like me and George and trying to make it as inclusive as possible. It’s fantastic.
“I want to try and give my youngest child as much opportunity as everyone’s children. I want to be a parent that helps shape the experience positively of anyone with autism.”
Mark is from Grimsby but now lives in Buckingham, where thay are travelling from today. They are arriving in Brighton for lunchtime to soak up some of the city ahead of kick off at 2.15pm this afternoon.
He added: “A quarter-final in the FA Cup away against Brighton, how much more excited can you get? It’s just amazing. We can’t wait to be there with the 4,600 fans travelling down.
“It’s so special for the town, club, players and owners. It brings us all together. You never know what could happen.
“My message to Brighton, from the bottom of our hearts we are so thankful for this opportunity from Brighton and Hove Albion.
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"They have given us the opportunity to watch the game, they seem to be at the forefront of making the game as inclusive for everyone.
“I wish them all the best for the season, although maybe not all the best for today.”
Grimsby Town beat Plymouth Argyle, Cambridge United, Burton Albion and Luton Town in previous rounds to get to this stage.
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