In 2021, Kerry Evans’ dream came true when she was asked by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the new Hollywood owners of Wrexham AFC, to join the club as a full-time employee.
She had worked as a volunteer for the Welsh football club since 2016, driving Wrexham’s accessibility efforts, and six years later, she was appointed as the Disability Liaison Officer, something she never thought possible, after becoming paralysed at the age of 30.
“The owners asked me in October, when they first visited, and it actually took me five months to sign the contract, as it was a huge decision for me,” Kerry recalls.
“I absolutely loved what I did, but I wasn’t sure if I could commit to a paid job with all the health issues I have. But everyone pointed out to me that I was already committed to the role – the only difference would be gaining a wage. So, in March 2022 I became a full-time employee at Wrexham AFC.”
Here, Kerry looks back on her 10-year career and shares how Wrexham AFC is raising the bar for accessibility in football.
Accessible travel
When I first started as a volunteer, we introduced wheelchair accessible away travel, allowing us, for the first time in our history, to take wheelchairusing fans to away games alongside the rest of our supporters. It was a momentous moment - we had men crying tears of joy because they had never been able to attend away fixtures prior to this.
Quiet Zone
We have also introduced a Quiet Zone, which led us to become the first football club in Wales and the first business in Wrexham to gain an official ‘autism friendly’ status.
The award was presented to the Club by Kerry Roberts, Chair of the Wrexham National Autistic Society branch during a match in May 2023.
Our Quiet Zone is a space designed to support fans with autism and sensory sensitivities, providing a comfortable environment away from the crowds. The area has dedicated stewards on hand, who are familiar with the needs of attendees. We also offer ear defenders, weighted blankets and weighted teddies, which can be borrowed to help fans manage sensory sensitivities.
Sensory Hub
The Quiet Zone also includes a sensory hub, which can be accessed during a fixture if required. This is equipped with sensory lighting and quiet seating, allowing fans to take a break from the crowd. I visit this section during every fixture, to ensure everyone is welcomed to the club and no one has any issues. It's a lovely personal touch that the fans themselves tell me is very much appreciated.
First powerchair football club in Wales
The first thing I implemented under the new ownership was Wales’s first powerchair football team. The team meet every Friday evening at the Wrexham University Sports Centre. This is a very skilled and mentally taxing sport for people in wheelchairs, and I was incredibly proud to introduce it to Wrexham AFC.
Stoma friendly initiative
Wrexham AFC removes barriers for fans with disabilities, and every new initiative we introduce helps us make an even greater difference to their matchday experience. In August 2023 we ran a campaign with Colostomy UK to become the first football club in Wales to introduce stoma-friendly facilities. Under the initiative, we adapted all of our accessible toilets, meaning fans with stomas could attend the game without fear or anxiety.
Supporting men with prostate cancer
Earlier this year, we supported the “Boys Need Bins” campaign at the STōK Cae Ras stadium, in collaboration with Prostate Cancer UK. This came about as I was made aware by the charity just how many men felt they couldn’t watch live sport due to the fact that they wouldn’t have anywhere to dispose of their incontinence products. So, we installed sanitary bins in all male toilets, ensuring all men could attend with confidence.
I am extremely fan-focussed – winning points on the pitch is wonderful, but for me it's about so much more: ensuring fans with disabilities feel welcome and safe at Wrexham AFC.