WatfordIn a day she will never forget, young Hornet Molly Hall was mascot for Watford in their home match against Liverpool on Saturday.
Molly was the first to use the clubs recent accessible provision, as she was wheeled out before kick-off by Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster. The new wheelchair is able to be used on the pitch without causing any damage to the turf, as it uses pneumatic wheels.
The club’s groundsman, Scott Tingley, commented on the new initiative that allows disabled fans to easily be escorted out onto the pitch with the fellow mascots.
“My main worry was the wheels getting stuck in the grass and Molly falling out, so I spoke to counterparts across football and we were able to find the perfect chair. It was great to see Molly enjoy her day and it’s good to know we have this option moving forward.”
Watford decided to showcase their new equipment in line with Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action campaign.
💛 @BenFoster just proves time and time again why he is the nicest man in football.
He kept his promise to 12-year-old Molly Hall and gave her a day she will never forget…#WATLIV pic.twitter.com/U6apwpUYY0
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) March 2, 2020
The clubs Supporter Liaison and Disability Access Officer, Dave Messenger, said:
“It’s great to remove another barrier and enable us to further promote a culture of accessibility here at Vicarage Road.
Scott’s research was pivotal and to know that we can enable our young wheelchair users to be mascots whenever we like is definitely something to celebrate.”
Level Playing Field would like to thank Watford FC for their support during this seasons Weeks of Action.
“My main worry was the wheels getting stuck in the grass and Molly falling out, so I spoke to counterparts across football and we were able to find the perfect chair.” – Head Groundsman Scott Tingley
More on our support for #WeeksOfAction ⬇️
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) March 5, 2020
As part of our Weeks of Action, Level Playing Field partnered up with the EFL to create a number of short films with fans.
Ahead of our busiest weekend of the season, we released the first video: