Accessibility at The BetMcLean Oval
Glentoran Football Club is committed to ensuring that The BetMcLean Oval is a welcoming and accessible stadium for all supporters, including those with disabilities, reduced mobility, and other specific needs. The club continually works to improve accessibility and provide a safe, comfortable, and inclusive matchday experience.
Accessible Entrances and Seating
The Oval features designated accessible entrances ( Disabled Viewing Area and Lower Grandstand) designed to accommodate wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments. The Disabled Viewing area can accomodate 6 wheelchairs and is also equipped with companion seating to allow a carer, to sit alongside.Supporters requiring accessible seating are encouraged to book tickets in advance to ensure availability and to allow the club to make any necessary arrangements.
Facilities for Disabled Supporters
Accessible toilet facilities are located close to the designated seating areas, designed to meet current accessibility standards. The stadium also provides ramps and handrails to help navigate the ground safely. On matchdays, trained stewards are on hand to assist disabled fans and help with any specific needs.
Parking and Transport
Parking at The Oval is limited, but designated disabled parking bays are available near the stadium entrance. It is advised that supporters with mobility challenges arrive early to secure these spaces. Public transport remains a practical option, with Sydenham train station within walking distance and several accessible bus routes serving the area.
Communication and Assistance
Glentoran is happy to provide additional support, such as arranging helpers or providing information in accessible formats upon request. Fans who may need assistance with tickets, seating, or other aspects of their visit are encouraged to contact the club in advance. The club’s customer service team is responsive to accessibility inquiries and aims to accommodate all reasonable requests.
Inclusive Atmosphere
The Oval fosters an inclusive and respectful environment where all supporters can enjoy the game comfortably. Glentoran FC values diversity and works hard to ensure that every fan feels welcome.
For further information or to discuss specific accessibility requirements, please contact the club directly via email or phone. Glentoran is committed to making The BetMcLean Oval a stadium for everyone.
Glentoran Recreation Co Ltd recognises our duties and responsibilities as detailed in the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 and related legislation.
The Chairman and Board of Directors regard safety as an integral part of the activities conducted at our venue.
The following outlines the safety structure at the Oval Grounds and each of the positions listed below have a role in health and safety arrangements at the Oval grounds:
Mr. Colin Jess is the club Chairman. He has overall responsibility for health and safety arrangements at the Sports Ground. He will ensure that appropriate persons are appointed to devise and implement safety arrangements, and that suitable resources are made available to address safety related issues. He will promote a culture of safety within the organisation.
Mr. Jess will also chair a Safety Committee. It will comprise of Mr.Jess, Mr. John Moore (GFC 1882 Director) and Mr. Roger Clarke (Event Safety Controller). Other appropriately qualified personnel may be co-opted as required.
A match day Safety Advisory Group (SAG) may be called at any 1st team match at the Oval Stadium, consisting of the Chairman (Mr C.Jess), Safety Director (Mr J Moore), Director (Mr. C Davidson) the Event Safety and Security Manager (Mr R Clarke), the senior Police Office on duty at the Stadium and a representative of the visiting team (Chairman or Director).
The SAG will meet if a developing situation which has the potential to effect on the Health and Safety and /or Security of persons in the stadium occurs or is forecast, if time prior to the event allows. If the Safety and Security Manager makes a decision with the SAG meeting due to the urgency of the situation he will inform The Safety Director as soon as possible.
The Qualified Person is the Glentoran Recreation Co Ltd as defined in the Safety of Sports Grounds (NI) Order 2006, and will endeavour to ensure compliance with the Terms and Conditions contained in the Safety Certificate.
Event Safety Controller
The Event Safety Controller is Roger Clarke. He has control of all operational matters at the Oval Grounds, including safety related arrangements at specified activities. He will ensure that Risk Assessments are carried out in relation to the safety of spectators and others at the Sports Ground. He will implement the controls identified in the Risk Assessments. He will draft management plans for the safety of spectators and ensure that they are implemented. He will ensure a Contingency Plan is drafted, and tested. He will ensure that all safety personnel are properly trained and briefed. He will ensure the Sports Ground is inspected at appropriate times and ensure the terms and conditions of the Safety Certificate are followed.
He will report to the Safety Committee on all safety related issues, including the condition of the Sports Ground. His points of contact are the Chairman, Mr. Ian Kerr and directors, Mr. Stephen Henderson & Mr. John Moore.
Assistants
Under the command of the Event Safety Controller will be Chief Steward, Harvey Johnston. He will follow the direction of the Event Safety Controller, monitor and direct the work of the stewards, and assist in the implementation of the safety plan for specified activities at the sports ground. He will communicate information to and from the Event Safety Controller to all relevant persons.
Stewards
Stewards will follow the direction of the Event Safety Controller in the implementation of the safety plan for specified activities at the venue.
Stewards will report to the relevant Chief Steward.
Other Staff
Other staff, including contract stewards and team security personnel, will follow directions given to them by the Event Safety Controller. They will undertake duties as directed by the Event Safety Controller or other identified person.
They will report to the Event Safety Controller or other identified person.
Contractors
Contractors will undertake the duties specified to them by the Event Safety Controller or other identified person. They will provide Risk Assessments, Method Statements or other safety related documentation as requested.
They will report to the Event Safety Controller.
Arrangements for Ensuring Health and Safety
The Safety Arrangements at the Sports Ground will be based on the control measures identified in Risk Assessments carried out. The Event Safety Controller will arrange for Risk Assessments to be carried out in relation to the activities associated with the activities conducted at the venue, and in particular the arrangements to ensure the safety of spectators attending specified activities.
The arrangements for undertaking risk assessments are:
The arrangements for providing safety training are:
The arrangements for the Planned Preventative Maintenance Programme are:
The arrangements for drawing up a Medical Plan are:
The arrangements for developing contingency plans are:
