Coming in from the cold

United’s Icelandic Supporters’ Branch talks to Rollin’ Reds

Disabled football fans from Iceland aren’t left out in the cold when it comes to visiting Old Trafford, thanks to the country’s Manchester United Supporters’ Club Branch which regularly funds trips to the Theatre of Dreams for those less able.

The organisation started in Grindavik, southern Iceland in 1991, with just 30 members and has grown steadily to become the largest of its kind in the country, with around 3,000 members — almost one percent of the population.

Getting to Manchester hasn’t been easy, though. In the early years, the Branch used to charter flights three times every season, but in 2006, members had enough season tickets to prompt Icelandair to start scheduled flights.

The next step was to make the trips accessible to all, as Branch chairman, Steinn Olason explains: “We thought about all those who wanted to visit Old Trafford but could not go because they were disabled, and we wanted to do something about it.

“So, since 2006, the Icelandic Branch has invited disabled people to visit Old Trafford, free of charge. We usually bring up to seven people per year — four who can sit in regular seats and three wheelchair users. Our Branch pays for everything including flights, transport, hotel and food for the disabled person and their assistant.

“We have had very good cooperation with Old Trafford. Phil Downs and his staff are very nice people, thanks to them — they have helped us a lot. We could not have done it without this good cooperation and help.”

Around Christmas every year the Branch asks for applications from disabled members for a trip to Old Trafford, and some applications are treated with more urgency than others, as Steinn continues: “In 2009 we had an application from 14-year-old-boy, Sigfinnur Palsson, who had cancer. In November, doctors had told him that he might have just three months left to live.

“Naturally, his family were devastated by the news and asked him what he wanted to do in this time. His answer came straight away: ‘I want to visit Old Trafford’.

“His family contacted us and asked for help and we took him to Old Trafford on February 6, 2010, where he watched United beat Portsmouth 5-0.

“During the time leading up to the game, Sigfinnur told his family he would not die before his visit to Old Trafford and his doctor was amazed how strong he was. He spoke about Manchester United constantly as days were counted down. During the trip, he and his younger brother met Wayne Rooney and few more players and had their pictures taken with them.

“After coming back home he said: ‘I was at Old Trafford, I met Wayne Rooney and now I can go, thank you all for what you have done for me’.

“His family is forever grateful for this opportunity which he spoke of every day until his last day alive. Sigfinnur died in July 2010 and in church there were hymns and a big picture of him and Rooney.”

Unfortunately, that isn’t the last agonising story the Icelandic Branch have helped to bring a little happiness to, as Steinn recalls: “An 18-year-old man, Tryggvi Jon, from Akureyri, northern Iceland, had lost most of his sight, was wheelchair bound and very sick. Doctors told him that he only had short time left.

“His wish was to see Old Trafford and, with short notice and the help of Icelandair and the blind association, he and four of his family went to the FA Cup match against Arsenal on March 12, 2011, which United won 2-0. This was his biggest dream and thanks to many people including MUDSA, his dream came true.

“Tryggvi spoke of his trip every day for the rest of his life. He died in May, 2011.”

Steinn continues with slightly happier tale about an able-bodied Branch member who had been involved in an accident: “In October 2011, one of our members, Torgeir, was going home from work on his bike when he was run over by a truck and was very seriously injured.

“He had already booked a trip to Old Trafford, to the game against Liverpool in February, 2012, and now he was in hospital.

“His friends brought him United memorabilia every time they visited, and knowing he was going to the game helped speed up his recovery. 

“This was his 10th visit in 10 years with United winning every match — a record which continues as Torgeir was well enough to travel and watched United beat the Scousers 2-1.

“His doctor said the amazing thing about Torgeir, was that even in his sleep he spoke of his upcoming trip to Old Trafford.

“He now has now an artificial leg and will hopefully be able to use the normal seats in future.”

So far, the Icelandic branch has funded trips to Old Trafford for about 40 disabled people and Steinn has many more stories of how much it has meant to those members and their families. He said: “Not many disabled supporters can afford to pay £500-£600 pounds for the experience.

“Members of the board of Manchester United Supporters’ Club, Icelandic branch, like to help as many of those members as possible to get to the games. We know how much it means to them and their families.

At the time of writing, in September, Steinn had four wheelchair users waiting to go to their first visit to the Theatre of Dreams. He said: “They have already been offered a place and accepted. They are extremely happy.

“I would like to thank MUDSA for their help so we can keep on bringing our members to see games at Old Trafford.”