wolves u16 disablility fc

Canary Cup -  At The Hive, Norwich FC.  9th August 2021

The disability football team is a great experience for many children who have varying disabilities. This enables them to get involved with a team sport at many venues during the sporting year.

Last week, several parents and their children made the long trip to Norwich to play in a League and Cup fixture day.

Camping, caravanning, motor-homing and some families based in hotels was the order of the weekend including trips to the seaside and then on to the venue on Monday.

The Norwich Disability setup is one that is to be admired by the whole country. The venue was completed earlier in 2021 at a cost of £9million. All but £500,000 was raised by the foundation themselves. 

What has come about is a 1st rate venue that will put most Premier League training facilities to shame. Brilliant work Norwich in making this happen.

So, on Monday, the teams all arrived for early morning check in at the hosts venue. Norwich themselves had two teams entered along with Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Arsenal, Chelsea, West Bromwich, Villa (Two Teams) and Wolves. 10 Teams in total, battled in a league and then on to a cup competition.            

Wolves U16 won 5 games, drew 3 and only lost one to the hosts. This placed them after the last game in 2nd place. Well done to the whole team. The coaches, Gavin and Carl were well pleased.  The team had beaten Villa and WBA.                   

The cup was then going to be fought out by all but the last two teams. 1st place playing 8th place,  2nd playing 7th and so on.  Wolves quickly dismissed Manchester United and Norwich to find themselves in the final of the Cup against……..you guessed it….. West Brom.

The game was tightly fought and after a 1-1 draw went on to extra time. There was still nothing to separate the two teams and so after extra time it went on to penalties.

As I said this was a tight game, the penalties were no exception, however, the final result was not what we all wanted and ended up 5-4 to the youngsters from WBA. 

This is not like the football we go and watch on a match day, this is all about getting some very lovely children, with all sorts of problems and disabilities, out and playing sport. It is truly about the children. There are not really any winners or losers in this, however, the children were upset as they really wanted to bring a cup home for the club.

Well done to all that took part, goalkeeper, Alfie, and outfield players, Cameron, William, Ethan, Tyler and Ollie.

Finally, if you have children with disabilities and they would like to join the Wolves Disability FC; training is on Wednesdays at the Foundation Arena at Aldersley Stadium. 5.15pm for U12, 6.30pm for U16 and 7.45pm for Adults.

Sam Payne - Chairman Wolves 1877 Trust.