Wolves Women manager Dan McNamara’s matchday will look slightly different on Sunday ahead of the big Black Country derby against West Bromwich Albion – he’s taking part in the Wolverhampton 10k!
McNamara is part of the team made up of staff from Wolves, Wolves Foundation and supporters who will be pounding the streets of the City Centre in the morning, raising funds for the club’s official charity.
With all the preparation and planning already completed for Sunday’s 3pm kick off for the big derby at Molineux, McNamara can then relax after his unique ‘warm-up’ and prepare to try and continue the women’s fantastic season which sees them second in the league table, having lost only one of their 18 fixtures so far.
“It’s an exciting challenge and I’m really looking forward to the whole day,” says McNamara, who will be joined by Wolves Women's physical performance coach Nathan Maxfield.
“When Wolves Foundation comes into play, I always think back to the early years of Wolves Women when the Foundation did a lot for us, and it’s a fantastic organisation on its own merits.
“We all like to give back when we can, and I thought, given we are here anyway in the afternoon, let’s get here a couple of hours early and put ourselves through our paces.
“I normally have a routine of a little coffee and bacon and sausage sandwich on the morning of a matchday, and I’m sure I’ll do that again, just maybe at a different time!
“But on a serious note, Nathan is a massive driver of fitness throughout the club with the woman and girls and the staff, so he’s taking part as well.
“I have to confess I’ve not done much training, as I want it to be a challenge, but hopefully we’re going to have a positive morning and have some fun going around, and then come back to Molineux and get a positive result in the afternoon.”
Sunday is a real team effort involving the club and Foundation and that also extends to Wolves’ official technical kit partner, SUDU, who have kindly donated running t-shirts and trainers for all staff taking part.
This is particularly appreciated with Wolves Foundation aiming to build more of a running community moving forward, literally, to not just raise vital funds for the work delivered across the city, but also improve mental and physical health.
“We are really pleased and grateful for all the support we have received ahead of Sunday’s Wolverhampton 10k, from all those taking part, all who have made a donation, and for the generosity of SUDU,” says Laura Cahill, fundraising and events executive at Wolves Foundation.
“We are just starting out in terms of trying to build a team to take part in running events, and obviously making sure we are part of the Wolverhampton 10k - which starts and finishes at Molineux - is the perfect launch.
“From a Foundation point of view, we are really appreciative that four of our patrons – Berriman Eaton, MNE Global, Reconomy and Stratstone – are taking part, whilst the participants at Molineux Memories have kindly made a donation to add to the fundraising of one of our Health Officers, Tyler.
“We would also like to thank the organisers Run Through for all their support and wish everyone taking part on Sunday the best of luck – it should be a great day!”
To support the Wolves Foundation team and the charity’s work delivering over 45 projects across the city, their fundraising page can be accessed here.
The Foundation are also putting together a team for the 10k event at the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on Sunday May 4th.
A limited number of free places are available for fans who would then pledge to raise at least £100 for the Foundation. Anyone interested can email lauracahill@wolves.co.uk
Click here to read the latest ahead of Wolves Women fixture with West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, including how to purchase tickets.
