A Lifelong Fan Finally Sees the Game
Jon Attenborough has supported Dundee United for nearly twenty years. Despite attending matches regularly, his visual impairment meant he had never actually seen the team play. That changed at Saturday’s home match against Motherwell.
Thanks to a specialist vision-enhancing headset, the thirty-six-year-old from Perth saw the stadium, the players, and the action with his own eyes for the first time. He described the moment as emotional and unforgettable.
Jon watched the match at Tannadice Park and called the experience incredible. For the first time, he could visually connect with a club he had followed for most of his adult life.
How the Headset Changed Everything
Jon lives with no sight in his right eye and very limited sight in his left. He explains that he only has a small amount of central vision and struggles to see beyond arm’s length.
The GiveVision headset uses front-facing cameras and internal lenses to enhance what the wearer can see. A handheld controller allows users to zoom in and out, adjust brightness, and change colour contrast.
While sitting in the George Fox Stand, Jon zoomed in far enough to read players’ names on their shirts. He could also see the manager on the touchline, something he had never experienced before. For him, that level of detail felt unbelievable.
A Moment He Will Never Forget
Jon has attended matches at Tannadice for seventeen years and normally relies on audio descriptive commentary. While he values that service, nothing compares to watching the team walk out of the tunnel in person.
He said the moment the music played and the players emerged stayed with him. Sharing that experience alongside friends he has attended games with for years made it even more special.
Although he had seen clips and photos on screens held close to his face, seeing the stadium live felt completely different. Like many football fans, he believes nothing replaces being there in person.
Opening a New World Through Technology
Jon first tested the headset during a recent match between Motherwell and Livingston at Fir Park. That trial gave him confidence ahead of seeing his own team’s home ground for the first time.
He said the experience changed his expectations of what football could offer him. He once believed audio commentary would define his matchday experience for life. Now he feels excited about where this technology could lead next.
The headset has sparked new hope and curiosity, opening doors he never thought possible.
More Milestones Still to Come
Last year, Jon and his former guide Sam became the first duo to visit all forty-two Scottish league grounds. They began the challenge at a Dundee versus Dundee United match in February twenty twenty two.
The headset remains on loan until the new year, giving Jon the chance to watch his first-ever Dundee derby visually. He plans to share feedback so developers can improve future versions.
Although Saturday’s match ended in a goalless draw, Jon still cherished every moment. He admitted a goal would have made the day perfect, but the experience itself already felt complete.
