The hugely popular Wolves Disability FC half time fixture will return this Friday night as part of the annual Focus Fixture for Wolves Foundation, the club’s official charity.
The Focus Fixture against Aston Villa provides an opportunity for the Foundation and club to link up to raise both awareness and funds for the charity, which delivers over 45 projects supporting over 60,000 people of all ages and abilities across the city every year.
And the Disability game, which will see a team of Wolves under-16 players take on their counterparts from Villa during half time, has become an integral part of the fixture since first being played back during the 2018/19 season.
Wolves Disability, since being set up with a handful of players back in 2013, now boasts a squad numbering over 85, from under-12s right through to adult level, including enjoying regular fixtures in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League.
The chance to play at Molineux, however, remains a once-in-lifetime experience.
Gavin Jones, senior disability sport officer with the Foundation, is the inspirational leader of the Disability set-up, having overseen the progress of the squad over the last 12 years despite heavily impaired vision which means he is registered blind.
“We are all so grateful to continue to have this opportunity, which is something the players, whatever their age, will never forget,” says Gavin.
“So many of our squad are lifelong Wolves fans and the chance to go out at Molineux, and play in front of thousands of fans, brings them the sort of boost which can’t fully be put into words.
“What is also so special is how the supporters get behind the teams during the game at half time.
“The atmosphere that is created turns it into such a magical experience and again, makes all the difference for the players.
“We are appreciative that Nigel (Aston Villa disability manager Nigel Macrow) is bringing his Aston Villa team across for the game on Friday night and look forward to a great occasion for players and fans from both sides.”
The squad operates on a pan-disability basis, which offers an inclusive environment welcoming players with any impairment, including physical, intellectual, or neurodiverse conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy and ADHD.
For the last three seasons, Wolves Disability FC has benefitted from sponsorship from Nuffield Health UK, the UK’s largest healthcare charity.
Nuffield Health, whose incredible support of the Foundation also extends to being Pack Patrons, are the front-of-shirt sponsor across all Disability teams.
Meanwhile this year, for the first time, Alexion UK have come on board as a partner.
Alexion, Astrazeneca Rare Disease, is a company focused on delivering life-changing therapies to people living with rare diseases, and has collaborated to support the Foundation’s eight disability teams and the Wolves Wishes project which organises unique club-related treats for fans.
Alexion’s sponsorship of Wolves Disability is also particularly timely given Friday’s fixture falls the day before Rare Disease Day, raising awareness for patients, families and carers around the world that are affected by rare diseases.
Wolves and Wolves Foundation will be highlighting this day of awareness as a key element of the partnership with Alexion.
And with thanks both to Alexion and Wolves’ retail partners Levy Merchandising, a special bespoke shirt has been created – with design shaped by the players - to mark Rare Disease Day which will be revealed very soon, and then worn by the team in Friday night’s fixture.
Two pieces of video content, showing both the kit reveal and then shining a light on Gavin’s inspirational story, will be shown in the build-up to the Focus Fixture.
As well as supporting the players at half time on Friday night, there are several other ways fans can help the Foundation.
Staff will be around the Megastore to chat to fans and take any donations, while supporters will be able to have the special Focus Fixture patch – being added to the Wolves’ players shirts for the game - added to their replica tops for a minimum donation of £5.
A Silent Auction will be held across hospitality areas with a host of fantastic items available, whilst the Wolves’ players walk-out jackets, also featuring the Focus Fixture patch, will later be auctioned off with all funds raised going to the charity.
Any fans wishing to make a general donation to support the work of Wolves Foundation can do so by clicking here.
Wolves Foundation are hugely grateful to the club’s official sleeve partner JD for their support of the half time fixture and donating gift cards for all the players.
