The half-time game involving players from Wolves Disability FC has become one of the highlights of Wolves Foundation’s annual focus fixture – and it’s back again for the visit of Chelsea.
Ever since the adult team were first given the chance to showcase their skills at the game with Cardiff in early 2019, fans have loved watching the talent and enthusiasm of the players, seen again at the first team fixtures with Aston Villa (under-16s) and Norwich (adult team).
This Saturday it is back to Wolves under-16s who will be taking on their counterparts from Chelsea Foundation’s Disability Inclusion Programme.
“It is always such a great experience for our players and we are really grateful to Wolves and the Foundation for giving us another chance to play on the pitch, and for Chelsea for bringing their team up,” said Gavin Jones, the Foundation’s inclusion lead.
“We know how much the fans have enjoyed the previous games and, for the players and their families, it is something they will never, ever forget.
“It gives us the chance to showcase what we do especially as the players always love the buzz of wearing that Wolves shirt, and even more so in front of fans at Molineux.
“It has been quite a tough season for the under-16s as they have lost some players to the adult team, and have had to re-adjust with younger players stepping up.
“It has been a transitional season in many ways but, as it has gone on, they have really progressed and started working well together.
"Hopefully they will get out there on Saturday and really enjoy the opportunity to show everyone what they can do.”
Wolves Disability play their football in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League and run eight teams in total, three at adult level, three at under-16s and two at under-12s.
They have been particularly successful over the last couple of seasons, and one of the adult teams recently clinched the Championship title.
Regular fixtures are played at English football’s training headquarters at St George’s Park and, above all else, the training and matches offer fantastic opportunities for the respective squads to enjoy their football.
“Having that structure in the week and something to look forward to is massive for the players,” adds Jones.
“As well as the training and matches the social side is really important for the players to meet up with friends and also new-found friends from playing football with us at the Foundation.”
We all look forward to seeing the Wolves and Chelsea teams in action at half time on Saturday – please get behind them and help create another fantastic atmosphere.
