This Saturday will see Wolves Disability FC take on their counterparts from Cardiff at half time – and that will bring the fixture full circle from the very first meeting back in 2019.
It was back then, as part of Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action initiative, that the charity’s respective adult teams went head-to-head – and the crowd, both sets of fans, absolutely loved it!
Wolves won the game 3-2, but ultimately, the result didn’t really matter. The powerful story of inclusion and opportunity was the main winner that early March afternoon.
The fixture has now become an annual event at Molineux initially during one half time every season, and now, thanks to support from partners Alexion Astra Zeneca and Nuffield Health, twice.
The most recent game, played out in rain-drenched conditions against Aston Villa in February, proved one of the best yet, both sets of fans loving the moment as a late goal from Hugh secured a 1-0 win for Wolves Under-16s.
But if we head back seven-and-a-half years ago, to that very first Disability half time fixture against Cardiff, it wasn’t just on the pitch that memories were made, and experiences enjoyed.
For one particular fan watching on from the stands, it was a moment which ultimately proved life-changing, and the start of a new chapter which has since gone from strength to strength.
“I was at the Wolves game with my son, watching in the stands, and then the Disability team came on and played that game,” says Darren James.
“I was like, ‘where has this been?’ It looked amazing.
“My own club, who I support, have got a disability team. I knew I wanted to get involved.
“I had no intention of trying to get into a team or anything, I just wanted to play football.”
Darren was born and bred in Wolverhampton, a lifelong fan who can remember his Dad taking him to the Sherpa Van Trophy final in 1988, enjoying the win over Burnley at Wembley.
Always very athletic, and keen on playing whatever sports he could get access to, as he grew into adulthood, turning out at Sunday League level became increasingly more difficult.
And that’s because Darren was born with an abnormality to his right leg, leaving him wearing an artificial limb.
While he has never let that substantial obstacle keep him down, football was understandably tough, making what he saw at Molineux all those years ago a lightbulb moment for what was to follow.
“My Mum and Dad always drilled into me that I was no different to anyone else, and could do anything that I wanted,” he reveals.
“So that is what I tried to do, but as I got older, playing able-bodied sport, I’m not going to lie, it was tough.
“Local Sunday League just wasn’t for me, because I just couldn’t keep up with the other players.
“Then I saw the Disability team play, and as soon as I got home from the game, I had to find out how I could get involved.
“That was when I first got in contact with Gav (Foundation senior disability officer Gavin Jones), and as soon as I started coming to training, everyone was so welcoming.
“At the start I just wanted to keep active and play football again, but it didn’t take me long to get back into the swing of things.
“I’d got that competitiveness back, the banter with the lads was there and in no time at all I was part of the team.”
For Gavin, who has worked at the Foundation for 22 years and now oversees the Disability set-up, Darren’s story is one of so many where participants of all ages have had opportunities they would never have otherwise been able to enjoy.
He is delighted to see the return of the fixture again this weekend and recognises the journey the squad has been on since that very first game against Cardiff.
“It’s difficult to believe how much we have developed since that very first game against Cardiff, and the experiences we have all shared,” he says.
“Not only do we now have more teams and more players, but during that time there have been so many incredible experiences.
“We are all really appreciative of the support of the players and their families at training sessions and matches, which help us continue to go from strength to strength.
“With Cardiff returning for the half time fixture on Saturday, I am sure both sets of fans will get right behind the teams, and create more memories to enjoy.”
Darren, who still plays for one of the adult teams, is also a volunteer coach, and will be in the stand watching on Saturday, just as he was back in 2019.
Not only does he inspire the squad at training and fixtures, but also with his can-do attitude and approach away from the pitch as well.
He is a huge supporter of the Foundation’s fundraising activities, from tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks, completing a 300-mile cycling challenge for the ‘Feed Our Pack’ campaign several years ago, to taking part, alongside his partner Jade, in the inaugural ‘Tour De Midlands’ this year as well as the Molineux Abseil, where he met and chewed the fat with former Wolves boss Mick McCarthy.
In 2024 he was the much-deserved winner of the Spirit of Wolves award at the Foundation’s Gala Dinner, recognising his incredible journey.
Darren is a role model and inspiration to so many others, but has also stayed so humble, and remains hugely appreciative of the opportunities that Wolves Foundation, and the Disability team, have given him.
“Putting that shirt on and representing this club makes me feel so proud,” he admits.
“The Foundation have given me so many opportunities that I never thought I’d have, and I’m so grateful for that. They’ve given me the chance to do things I never imagined, both on and off the pitch, and to help raise awareness of disability football.
“Winning the league as captain and being awarded the Spirit of Wolves are two of my biggest achievements, and things I’ll always be incredibly proud of. But without the Foundation and the opportunities they’ve given me, none of that would ever have happened.
“Over the years, the people at the Foundation have become so much more than colleagues to me. They’ve become friends, and I feel like I’m part of one big family. It’s not just about football; it’s about the people, the support and the experiences we’ve shared along the way.
“When I was a kid, there was nothing like this for me to get involved in, so if I can help make a difference for kids growing up now, that means a lot to me. I want them to see what’s possible and realise that having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t achieve what you want to achieve.”
And it all started, like this weekend, with a half time fixture against Cardiff.
“Looking back to that first game back 2019, I’d never have believed you if you’d told me where I’d be today,” he adds.
“I went along as a fan who just wanted to play football, and look at everything that’s come from it.
“I’m still playing, I’m captain, I’m coaching and I’m doing things for the Foundation that I never imagined I’d be doing.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud to be part of it.”
This Saturday, at half time, Wolves Disability Under-16s will take on their counterparts from Cardiff. Enjoy the game!
