Wolverhampton Wanderers and sponsors Paycare, the Wolverhampton based health care company are providing disabled supporters’ with a dedicated lounge at Molineux which has facilities among the best in the country.
VIP guests, including Wolves Head Coach Kenny Jackett, Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey, Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who is both Wolves Vice President and President of Paycare, Wolverhampton Mayor Councillor Milkinder Jaspal,disabled supporters and sponsors were at Molineux yesterday to officially open the Paycare Accessible Lounge.
To mark the occasion, a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Paycare chief executive, Kevin Rogers, Jez and Kenny.
In renewing its support for the accessible lounge in the Stan Cullis Stand, Paycare became the longest continuous current sponsor working in partnership with Wolves, with 16 years of support for the disabled supporters facilities. The new Paycare Accessible lounge was an important element of the huge investment by Wolves when designing and re-developing the Stan Cullis stand.
Facilities in the lounge include; wheelchair-friendly access, free refreshments, match day TV and live Sky games, specially commissioned photographs of fans with first team players taken at the previous home match and much more.
On match days, specially trained stewards and a caterer provide complimentary tea and coffee in the Paycare Lounge while the fans can, if they choose, watch the match on a special TV screen.
Speaking for the Paycare Accessible Lounge users, the Wolves Disabled Supporter Association secretary, Dennis Green said: “The Lounge is highly valued and appreciated by disabled supporters, their families, friends and carers who have frequented it since the opening of the new Stan Cullis stand.
“The DSA are extremely grateful to Paycare and Wolves for sponsoring and providing this excellent facility, where supporters can socialise as a group before, during and after a match. This new chapter in the provision of the revamped lounge is something Paycare and Wolves FC should be proud of, long may this partnership continue,” said Mr Green.
Paycare chief executive, Kevin Rogers said: “I believe this new facility will be among the best in the UK. Wolverhampton Wanderers and its loyal supporters have created something very special here for the people who use this lounge.
“Paycare shares many values with Wolves, one of these being inclusiveness. It is clear that Paycare Lounge users will benefit from the comfort, vibrant and friendly atmosphere that this room offers. And not only Wolves fans, the service for disabled supporters is also made available for visiting supporters, who are welcomed and catered for by the fabulous team that looks after the guests here.
“Many Wolves supporters have Paycare healthcare plans and our sponsorship here helps promote a not-for-profit business that was started in this city in 1874. So, just like this football club, which was one of the founding football teams in the country, we too were among the early pioneers of cash plans to help workers and their families afford healthcare services,” explained Mr Rogers.
Speaking for Wolves, Chief Executive Jez Moxey said: “I am delighted to join Kenny at the opening of the newly revamped Paycare Accessible Lounge in the Stan Cullis Stand.
“This excellent facility further underpins our support for our disabled fans by offering them a focal point to meet on matchdays, enjoy some refreshments, and no doubt discuss all the Wolves-related issues of the day.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Paycare for their continued commitment in working alongside Wolves to ensure we offer our disabled fanbase the best possible facilities when they come to games at Molineux.”
Rachael Heyhoe Flint added: “Here at Wolves we pride ourselves in caring for all our fans-and as in life in general, this should always include our fans with disabilities. I commend the care and support from Paycare and our Club.”
