Hull College students have proudly played a leading role in transforming the Safeguarding and Quiet Rooms at the MKM Stadium, bringing creativity, care and community spirit into spaces designed to support young people and families on matchdays.

Their work has helped to turn previously plain and uninviting rooms into warm, welcoming environments where visitors can feel safe, calm and comfortable - especially those who may need a quieter moment during busy fixtures.

This collaborative project took place as part of EFL Week of Action 2025, working closely with the Tigers Trust and supported by funding from the Sir James Reckitt Charity. It was inspired by feedback from young people and families attending the Trust’s Premier League Kicks Disability sessions, who explained that matchdays could sometimes feel overwhelming - often meaning they had to leave the stadium early if a young person went into crisis.

When invited to view the existing rooms, young people described the spaces as dull and uninviting. They shared their ideas for how the areas could be improved to feel safer, more colourful, and more comforting for those who might need a quieter moment during games. With that community feedback at heart, students from Hull College stepped in to help make those ideas a reality.

From Concept to Creation

After visiting the stadium and seeing the rooms firsthand, the students quickly recognised the need for warmth, colour and creativity.

“When we first saw the space it was a very bland room with very vivid bright red colours - it definitely needed some work,” said student Olivia.

Working together, the students brainstormed design ideas, developed concepts, and prepared the spaces for painting. They divided the rooms into two distinct themes - one playful and childlike, and the other calm and mature - to suit different needs.

Once the designs were finalised, the group began painting colourful murals featuring tigers, underwater scenes, and sensory-friendly visuals, completely transforming the once grey walls into vibrant, uplifting spaces.

Making a Real Difference

The transformation not only enhanced the matchday experience for families, but also gave students valuable hands-on work experience and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their community.

Seeing the students’ designs evolve from their initial concepts to the final result was absolutely brilliant. Their hard work has completely changed the feel of the rooms.”

Megan Calvert, Delivery Officer at the Tigers Trust, said: “I’ve never seen anything done like that before, if I’m being honest, I didn’t quite know what to expect, just it exceeded any expectations I thought I had. It was just amazing seeing it came to life from a pretty much grey blank space to just this whole vibrant room really - it was amazing!”

For the students involved, the sense of pride was clear, as explained by Rhyannon: “It was so different to doing stuff at college. I felt like I had to make it right because it was for other people - to make them happy. It wasn’t just an assignment or an exam, it was to influence people, so it needed to be different. It was wonderful to showcase my work at such a massive venue in the city, and it’s a great feeling to look at it and know that it’s my work, and my style, and it’s made an impact.”

Olivia added: “It was an amazing opportunity for me as an artist and as an individual, along with everyone in the group. I think it’s also amazing because other people will get to see it when they’re, possible, not in a great state of mind and make them happier. It’s something they can look at and use to take their minds of whatever’s going on.”

A Shared Achievement

Once complete, the Safeguarding and Quiet Rooms were filled with sensory furniture and colourful details, creating calm, comfortable spaces for anyone who might need a quiet moment during a Hull City fixture. The reaction from young participants on seeing the finished result was overwhelmingly positive - a clear sign of the project’s impact.

This collaboration between Hull College, the Tigers Trust, and the Sir James Reckitt Charity stands as a brilliant example of what can be achieved when creativity, compassion and community come together. Together, we’ve created spaces that are not only safe - but truly welcoming.

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