Molineux’s refurbished sensory room, developed by the club and Wolves Foundation to offer a safe, calming environment for supporters, is ready to open its doors again for the 2026/27 season.
One of the executive boxes in the Steve Bull Stand was converted into the sensory room a number of seasons ago, and is designed for supporters who cannot use general seating because of sensory sensitivities but still want to attend matches and enjoy the experience of a football game.
The room has recently been refurbished and improved thanks to funding from the Premier League Fans Fund and the Whistle Foundation, and the sensory room is available for all home games with some being available for booking and other fixtures being utilised by participants attending Foundation projects.
The facility is part of the club’s overall ambition to be as inclusive as possible, linked to being part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower campaign, helping to ensure that fans with hidden disabilities feel recognised, supported and welcome at Molineux on matchdays and beyond.
Goalkeeper Dan Bentley, whose daughter is a Sunflower lanyard wearer, has visited the sensory room and given his seal of approval to the refurbished facility which helps to make Molineux more inclusive.
“I think it’s great for there to be a safe space for those that may need it, away from the hustle and bustle of 30,000 plus fans in a stadium that are obviously making a lot of noise,” he said.
“So, for them to come in here and feel like they’re part of the experience, but obviously a lot more sensory beneficial in terms of it being a little bit quieter, and darker if needed, they’ve got everything in here that someone with extra sensory needs may require.
“Inclusivity is obviously something that’s big here at Wolves and this is real proof that the club are trying to cater for all fans and all fans’ needs.
“It’s something that’s really close to my heart and that I’m really passionate about.”
Rachel Smith, the Foundation’s head of programmes for health improvement & community sport, says the sensory room has already received some really positive feedback since it was improved towards the end of last season. Multiple families have shared how they never thought they would be able to attend a football game with their child due to sensory sensitivities.
“The sensory room has been in place at Molineux for the last few seasons to provide that space for individuals who might find the Stadium Bowl a little bit overwhelming, a little bit too noisy with all the different sensory distractions,” says Rachel.
“We have now been really fortunate through the Premier League Fans Fund and the Whistle Foundation to be able to refurbish the room, make it more fit for purpose and generally add some nice little touches in there.
“It has created a calming space and a safe space for individuals who may have special educational needs or disabilities, or struggle with sensory overload on a matchday with so much going on.
“And what the sensory room also offers is an opportunity to help fans potentially transition into the stadium bowl.
“By having that initial experience of Molineux, understanding the noise and activity around the stadium, it may be that they become settled and confident enough and understand the stadium layout sufficiently to consider sitting in one of the Stands and enjoying that aspect of a matchday.
“We are looking forward to seeing the Sensory Room in action again this season and are really appreciative of all the support which Dan continues to give the Foundation.”
Zoe Conning, disability access officer at Wolves, added: “Football should be enjoyed by everyone, and the work the Foundation have done alongside the Premier League Fans Fund and Whistle Foundation helps make this a reality.
“It’s a fantastic space for fans who otherwise may not have been able to experience football in its live environment. The sensory room is a safe, supportive and inclusive space for any fans with disabilities to enjoy and create lasting memories with family and friends”
It was during Wolves’ One Pack Week earlier this year that the club announced they had joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, with the sunflower lanyard and other wearable items providing a simple but powerful way for individuals to discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, understanding or time.
“My daughter’s a Sunflower Lanyard Wearer, so when I heard about what they do and what it means and what they offer, I felt no better than to advocate and try and bring it into the football club,” adds Bentley.
“So, with both the Sensory Room, and the Sunflower Lanyard, bringing the messages that that entails into the football club and making those that potentially don’t have a voice feel heard and seen is a fantastic step forward.
“I know Wolves Foundation work incredibly hard to be a voice and to represent everybody where possible.
“The more we can all do that and the more we can be the best representation of the local community on and off the pitch, I think it’s going to obviously put us in a better place going forward.”
For further information regarding the sensory room, please contact fanservices@wolves.co.uk.
To register interest in booking the sensory room for a 2026/27 fixture, click here to complete the attached form.
Please note, the sensory room is a once per season use for supporters due to demand.
