[Trending News] Disability teams set for Molineux half time match

And those who belong to Wolves Disability FC, across all the different age groups, are no exception.

The half time fixture featuring the team has become the showpiece which lights up the annual Wolves Foundation Focus Fixture, and, this weekend, it returns once again.

After previous meetings with Cardiff, Aston Villa, Norwich, Chelsea and Sheffield United, this time it will be two teams of Wolves under-16s going up against each other.

For all ten of them, it will be an experience to savour.

“I’ve been thinking about it all week,” says Josh, a defender, who had tried several mainstream clubs before joining Wolves Disability FC, where he has progressed up from the under-12s.

“’No pressure’, that’s my mindset, and whatever happens in the game, I am going to make sure I enjoy the moment.

“I have watched games in the stands before and to be able to step out on the pitch and represent Wolves will be a massive honour.

“My family have been buying up a fair few tickets, and it’s going to be great to have them watching me.”

If Josh needs any advice about what to expect, and how best to make the most of it, he needs look no further than Mark Bromley, coach of the under-16s.

Bromley’s journey is one which can both educate and inspire those young charges now under his guidance, as he has progressed all the way from Disability FC participant, to Foundation volunteer, part-time worker, and now full time member of staff, as community and cohesion officer.

A SEND student at Westcroft School, Bromley’s qualities both as a player and character were spotted early on by Gavin Jones, who now oversees the Foundation’s disability programme, and he actually played in the team’s first ever match, a friendly against Kewford Eagles around 12 years ago.

“We won 7-4, and I scored four goals,” he recalls.

“And, at the end of the first season, we came second in the league and beat West Bromwich Albion in the cup final.  So that wasn’t bad!

“Over a decade on, I now play for the adult team, and coach the under-16s, so hopefully it gives an idea of the pathway that is in place.

“That is something that makes me very proud, and just shows to me that there is a place in football for everyone.

“When I was a pupil at Westcroft School, I just wanted to play, but I couldn’t cope with mainstream football, it wasn’t for me.

“From the moment I found out about disability football, I have never looked back.”

And neither have the club as a whole, from starting the first training sessions with a handful of players to a total now of around 80, making up three adult teams, three under-16s and two under-12s.

The Disability FC set-up are also hugely appreciative of the support shown via sponsorship from Nuffield Health in Wolverhampton.

Fixtures are played in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League at several venues across the region, including the home of English football at St George’s Park.

The Molineux date which has been enjoyed by several different age groups remains a particular highlight, not just because of the opportunity itself but how well received the teams have always been by the fantastic Wolves fanbase.

Bromley experienced it when the adults played against Norwich back in 2022, winning 3-0, and offering him ‘such a proud moment to experience’.

“Opportunities like this are what Wolves Foundation and the Disability team are all about, and I will be a proud coach just as much as I was a proud player,” he adds.

“I just hope the players embrace it and enjoy it just as much as I did, and I am sure they will.”

For Josh, a player with the Disability squad since finding out about it when celebrating his ninth birthday at Molineux, is certainly keen to savour every last moment of the opportunity.

“When I was at school before, playing against others who didn’t have disabilities, it was a struggle,” he admits.

“But now I have Wolves Disability, playing with and against people who are the same as me, it has been amazing.

“Now I am hoping to have another amazing experience on Saturday.”

It does promise to be another special occasion at half time against Everton, but it is also one which is tinged with a great sadness as well.

And that is down to the devastating loss less than a fortnight ago of Will Payne, a member of Wolves Disability for so any years up until he moved away to University last summer.

After Will’s tragic passing at the age of just 19, and with his family’s blessing, this year’s Focus Fixture disability game will be played in his honour.

Everyone at Wolves Foundation and Wolves, and all of his former team-mates and coaches with Wolves Disability, send their sincere condolences to all of Will’s family and friends.