Historic Partnership Forged Between Wednesfield FC and Black Country…

Wednesfield FC, a proud community football club founded in 1961, is set to honour its roots and break new ground through a unique sponsorship agreement with the Black Country Living Museum (BCLM).

Currently competing in the Midland Football League Division One — Step 6 of the English football pyramid — Wednesfield FC boasts a rich grassroots tradition, fielding teams from under-8s through to adult level. The first team plays its home fixtures at The Cottage Ground on Amos Lane (WV11 1ND), right in the heart of Wednesfield, complete with a fully licensed bar and a passionate local following.

The new partnership has been made possible by Jonathan Badyal, a former Wednesfield player and now a Trustee of BCLM, who played for the club between the ages of 8 and 16. Jonathan has generously chosen to sponsor the club’s kit for the upcoming season — and in a remarkable gesture, has gifted the sponsorship to BCLM, whose logo will now proudly appear on the front of the first team’s shirts.

Jonathan said: “Wednesfield FC and the Black Country Living Museum were two of the most important institutions to me growing up, just as they are today. They are true cornerstones of our community. I have long felt there is huge untapped potential when it comes to collaborations between sporting and cultural organisations, and I’m confident that this partnership will lead to meaningful and lasting impact in our area.”

This collaboration marks a rare and exciting union between grassroots football and a major cultural institution. It reflects a shared pride in the Black Country’s identity and opens the door to innovative forms of community engagement. The initiative may even prompt new research into football’s role in local working-class heritage — a topic close to the hearts of both organisations.

This announcement comes as BCLM continues to expand its work with sporting institutions across the region. Earlier this year, West Bromwich Albion joined as a Business Partner, with Worcestershire County Cricket Club following suit this month. The Museum also recently served as a striking backdrop for the video tribute to Wolves legend Steve Bull’s 60th birthday, featuring none other than Robert Plant.

Both Wednesfield FC and BCLM hope this pioneering partnership will become a model for how sport and culture can join forces to inspire, celebrate, and serve local communities.