Wolves Foundation and Alexion UK have launched an exciting new partnership which has seen the pharmaceutical company become a partner of the charity’s Disability football set-up and Wolves Wishes.
Alexion, Astrazeneca Rare Disease, is a company focused on delivering life-changing therapies to people living with rare diseases, has collaborated to support the Foundation’s eight disability teams and the Wolves Wishes project which organises unique club-related treats for fans.
The new partnership was launched with a special event when 11 players and two coaches from the Disability squad were given the ‘first-team treatment’, taking part in a photoshoot at Molineux with top photographer Jack Thomas.
As part of the agreement, Wanderland Sports will also produce two mini-documentary videos around the Wolves Wishes initiative and the Disability team, whose first of two half time fixtures this season will take place during the game against Burnley on October 26th.
There will also be an additional focus on the partnership at the fixture with Aston Villa early next year, linked to Rare Disease Day on February 28th.
“We are delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Alexion UK,” says Kieron Ansell, head of business development at Wolves Foundation.
“Since they first approached us with the idea of wanting to support the Foundation, their enthusiasm and passion for making a positive difference in the local community is something that has shone through.
“Their attitude to their work aligns perfectly with our own values and objectives of creating opportunities and changing lives of the participants we support.
“Our disability set-up and Wolves Wishes are two programmes where their investment will carry a really powerful impact, and we are excited about what the partnership will deliver over the next 12 months.”
Rare diseases affect around 400 million people worldwide, which is more than cancer and HIV combined. In the UK, an estimated 3.5 million people live with a rare condition, with one in 17 expected to be affected during their lifetime.
Together, Alexion and Wolves Foundation are united by a belief in the power of sport, community and compassion to drive meaningful change and raise awareness of urgent health needs.
“This partnership is more than a collaboration,” said Deborah Richards, VP & general manager of Alexion UK and Ireland.
“It’s a shared journey to elevate voices, foster inclusion, and raise awareness of rare diseases across the UK.
“Rare diseases often bring challenges that aren’t always visible, but they have a clear impact on those they affect and their families. Through this partnership, we can help make rare disease more visible and build greater understanding across the UK.”
Wolves Disability FC has grown substantially in recent years having launched with modest beginnings and a handful of players 12 years ago, to a current squad of approximately 80.
The club now runs eight different teams – three adults, three under-16s and two Under-12s – with regular competitive fixtures taking place in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League.
Some fixtures take place at the home of English football at St George’s Park, while there are weekly training sessions for each team, as well as an additional session for players setting out on the pathway or just wishing to play for enjoyment.
“We are a pan-disability club, meaning we are open to people with all disabilities and associated health conditions whether physical or unseen, but all united with a love of football and wanting to play football,” says Gavin Jones, senior disability sport officer with the Foundation who oversees the Disability football set-up.
“It is very much a family atmosphere and we get fantastic support from both players and parents, who will often get involved in fundraising to help with costs or provide additional opportunities.
“Everyone is thrilled to be receiving this support from Alexion, which will have such a positive impact on our programme, and got off to a brilliant start with the launch photoshoot which the players absolutely loved.”
Wolves Wishes is an initiative delivered in partnership with the club which has been operating since 2014.
Fans submit nominations for those who they believe worthy of a club-related treat, whether thanks to overcoming adversity, helping and supporting others or reaching a particular landmark.
Wishes can vary from sending a gift, match tickets or hospitality experiences, and will sometimes include interaction with current and former players.
Alexion’s backing will allow Wolves Wishes to continue to deliver uplifting experiences for supporters and use the power of the football club to make a positive difference to people’s lives.
