As a club, Wolves are proud to be strengthening their commitment to inclusion by joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, helping to ensure supporters with hidden disabilities feel recognised, supported and welcome at Molineux on matchdays and beyond.
Non-visible disabilities can include a wide range of conditions, such as autism, chronic pain, hearing loss, anxiety or neurological conditions, many of which may not be immediately visible.
The Sunflower lanyard and other wearable items provide a simple but powerful way for individuals to discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, understanding or time.
As part of this membership, Wolves have been rolling out dedicated training for staff across the club. These sessions are designed to build awareness and confidence, helping colleagues to better understand what non-visible disabilities are and how they may affect a fan’s experience. Importantly, the training focuses on practical, everyday interactions, equipping staff with the tools to respond with empathy, patience and respect.
On matchdays and event days, this training plays a vital role. From turnstiles and concourses to retail and hospitality areas, staff are encouraged to be observant and approachable, recognising the Sunflower and understanding what it represents. Whether it’s offering clearer directions, allowing extra time at entry points or simply providing reassurance in busy or overwhelming environments, small actions can make a big difference.
Staff, as well as first-team and Academy players, underwent training from representatives of Sunflower on Tuesday, with the initiative close to the heart of goalkeeper Dan Bentley, whose daughter is a Sunflower lanyard wearer.
Bentley said: “I’m really proud that Wolves are involved with Sunflower. It’s representation for those that aren’t represented. There isn’t currently anything on offer here at Wolves for those with a hidden disability, so Sunflower is representation for a whole range of hidden issues that people can face within life who may need some extra support, some time or a little bit of extra care.
“It is something that I’ve been a huge advocate of as my daughter is a wearer of a Sunflower lanyard herself, so I know the positive effect that it can have on the wearer.
“This is something that’s going to be from top to bottom at the club, from the hierarchy, all the way down through to staff, first-team, under-21s, Academy and filtering through to the fans who turn up week in, week out to support us, who may not be represented at the moment in terms of support.
“If someone has got a visible disablement and attends Molineux in a wheelchair, then the club will do their utmost to support that individual, but there are also people in the crowd and even people that work here at the club who have got a hidden disability which they may not feel comfortable to talk about, or they don't feel like they've got the support they need to be able to go through day-to-day life at the football club or on a matchday.
“But thanks to Sunflower, they now have the backing of the club and the staff, including stewards, who are all being trained to offer support to those individuals that are visibly wearing the Sunflower lanyard.
“I’m really proud that the club have agreed to come together to support Sunflower and hopefully the wearers will feel represented and will have the support that they deserve.”
The initiative also reflects Wolves’ wider commitment to creating an inclusive environment for everyone, not just supporters, but staff and the wider community too. By embedding this awareness across the organisation, the club is helping to foster a culture where people feel seen, understood and supported.
This membership is another step forward in ensuring that matchdays at Molineux are accessible and enjoyable for all. Wolves encourage fans who feel they would benefit from additional support to make use of the Sunflower lanyard, and for all visitors to be mindful and respectful of those around them.
Together, through awareness, education and simple acts of kindness, we can continue to build a matchday experience where everyone belongs.
Learn more about the Sunflower hdsunflower.com.
