Sector Focus


Sport The Business of Sport


Albion Stars’ initiative is dream come true for young Baggies fan


A dream came true for West Bromwich Albion’s bravest young fan when he received a visit from two of his footballing heroes. Youngster William Bayley – who


has spent the past five years battling a brain tumour – was visited at home by Baggies stars Chris Brunt and Dwight Gayle, as part of their club’s new initiative, Albion Stars. Albion Stars looks to recognise


and reward those Baggies who have gone above and beyond in their support of Albion, or who have been experiencing a tough time and so deserve an extra special surprise. William’s parents found that, at


the age of just two, he had a brain tumour in the base of his cerebellum - the area of the brain which controls his motor skills. He underwent immediate


emergency surgery and started on chemotherapy to clear any cancerous cells left behind.


Villa upgrades


its offering Villa Park hospitality is now available on a match-by- match basis, allowing fans to watch the claret and blues in style as they once again bid for promotion to the Premier League. The facilities at Villa Park


have undergone a £1m refurb in the last 15 months, with three suites taking on a new look to accommodate the highest-ever demand for hospitality at the stadium. Prices start from just £100


+VAT per person, and there's availability for all games from now until the end of the 2018/19 season. Packages are designed to


accommodate as little as two people or larger groups, Prices start from just £100 +VAT per person, and there's availability at all games from now until the end of the season.


For more information or to make a booking, call 0333 323 1982.


72 CHAMBERLINK October 2018 Wasps’ hospitality creates a buzz


Top rugby team Wasps has revealed that its hospitality business has enjoyed ‘significant’ growth in custom from businesses attending first team matches. The black-and-golds saw a 62


per cent increase in hospitality revenue last season, compared to the 2015/16 season, which was the club’s first full season at its new home in Coventry. Wasps’ hospitality suites now


average around 950 people per game, including 140 hospitality members with seasonal memberships. This growth has dovetailed with major investments in match day


hospitality, including transforming a suite into what is now known as the Heineken Lounge, where members are treated to a pre-match commentary by members of the first team and a two-course carvery lunch.


James Wootton, head of


commercial sales at Wasps, said: “The hospitality side of Wasps’ business has gone from strength- to-strength in recent years as we have continued to develop a diverse offering that now spans across six restaurants. “Hospitality is a fantastic way for


businesses to not only treat their employees and clients to a day out,


but to also network with like- minded business people, which is why seasonal members are now able to benefit from attending quarterly networking events that Wasps run.”


* Wasps have won an award from the Ministry of Defence for supporting the British Armed Forces. The club have been awarded the


‘Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award’, which recognises employers’ efforts to support defence personnel, such as providing opportunities for them while living back at home.


As William - a lifelong Albion fan -


continues his treatment, he was visited by Dwight and Chris, who signed autographs and played games in the youngster’s garden before presenting him with a 2018/19 home shirt and tickets to the Hawthorns fixture against Stoke City. An Albion spokesman said:


“Wiliam has been an absolute warrior during this difficult time, showing resilience and perseverance way beyond his years. “Everyone at West Bromwich


Albion is hopeful that William and his family are now heading towards the end of treatment. We wish them all the best during this time, and for the future. “Throughout the 2018/19 season,


we will be sharing more stories of our Albion Stars. If you know an Albion Star who you would like to nominate, you can do so by emailing stars@wbafc.co.uk with the details of who you're putting forward and why.”


Christmas at The Hawthorns


The Albion Foundation is hosting a Christmas Race Night at The Hawthorns to raise funds. The event – on 16 November – will feature live


entertainment and a festive finger buffet, with tickets priced at £35.


For more information on the evening, please contact jonathan.ward@albionfoundation.co.uk


Chris Brunt with young fan William Bayley


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