Presented by Xsolla
A new charity campaign is donating up to 50 accessible gaming setups to disabled players, starting with a football kit.
What does a League One football club in Stevenage have to do with making video games more accessible? More than you might think.
Xsolla, the global video game commerce company, has partnered with Stevenage FC to launch a charity campaign benefiting SpecialEffect, a UK-based organization dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities experience the joy of gaming. The initiative blends sport, technology, and community in a way that’s equal parts practical and powerful.
A Kit with a Cause
On April 6th, when Stevenage FC takes the pitch against Blackpool, their players will wear something a little different: a third kit bearing the SpecialEffect brand. A percentage of jersey sales matched pound-for-pound by Xsolla will go directly toward funding up to 50 accessible gaming setups for disabled gamers by the end of the 2025–2026 season. The campaign will also support programs leading into Stevenage FC’s 50th Anniversary Season in 2026–2027.
For Xsolla, this isn’t a one-off activation. It’s an expression of something the company has championed consistently: the belief that games should be available to everyone, regardless of ability.
“Gaming is for everyone, no barriers, no limits,” said Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla. “Supporting SpecialEffect aligns with our mission to make gaming accessible to everyone. By being a part of their mission, we can help ensure every person has the opportunity to play, connect, and experience the joy and community video games bring to people around the world”
Why SpecialEffect?
SpecialEffect’s work is as specialized as it is impactful. The charity’s team of occupational therapists and assistive technology experts assess each individual and build bespoke gaming control setups, everything from modified controllers to eye-gaze technology, loaning them out completely free of charge. For many of the people they help, gaming isn’t just entertainment; it’s a lifeline to social connection and independence.
Liam Lawler, Partnership Manager at SpecialEffect, said the scale of this campaign marks a meaningful moment: “The generosity of Xsolla in donating 50 accessible setups and putting SpecialEffect front and centre of the third kit is a powerful testament to our shared mission to make gaming accessible. Being on the third kit is a powerful platform to raise vital funds and awareness.”
Football as a Platform
Stevenage FC brings more to this partnership than a jersey slot. The club has cultivated a genuine connection with gaming culture, most famously through its viral rise in the EFL franchise, and sees this campaign as a natural extension of its community values.
“The Club has a close association with gamers, so this is a natural partnership for us,” said Director Stuart Dinsey. “The work SpecialEffect does is truly transformative, helping people combat isolation via eye-gaze technology, bespoke controllers, occupational therapists, and more. We will use our ever-growing reach to support this.”
See the Impact for Yourself
To understand what’s really at stake, Xsolla points to stories like Rodney’s, a real example of how tailored gaming technology can change a life. Watch Rodney’s Story here.
If you want to support the campaign directly, you can purchase the Stevenage FC SpecialEffect jersey at xsolla.pro/shop-kit, or learn more about the broader initiative at xsolla.pro/charity-campaign.
This post is partner content paid for by the sponsor and created in collaboration with GamesBeat Studio—our custom platform for branded thought leadership. It was produced independently of the GamesBeat editorial team. For more information, contact [email protected]