Wolves captain Danny Batth tackles serious issues with new film
It's safe to say that Nuno Espirito Santo and his Wolves players don't get interrupted by 50 sheep during an average training session at Compton Park.
But that was what club captain Danny Batth encountered during an inspiring trip to India – and his experiences are being laid bare in a revealing new film.
Married to the Game is a fly-on-the-wall documentary detailing Batth's trip to northern India last summer. He visited the Yuwa Academy, where football and education help give a lifeline to victimised young girls.
Forced child marriage and human trafficking are rife in the area. Batth and partner Natalie Ann Cutler are hoping to raise both awareness and money to help the Yuwa Academy.
The documentary will be given the glitzy premiere treatment in Wolverhampton next Wednesday and a number of Batth's Wolves team mates are expected to attend.
The Brierley Hill-born centre half, whose father was born in Punjab and moved to England aged 12, is no stranger to charitable exploits having launched his Foundation DB charity last year.
He explained how he and Natalie became involved with Yuwa.
"The area is statistically one of the worst places to grow up in the world – that really hit home," he told the Express & Star.
"We said we wanted to go out to help where we could and raise awareness.
"A lot of the girls are victims of child marriage and human trafficking at a very young age."
Batth took part in football coaching sessions with the girls – although they had an early start.
"They start at 5.30am so it's a bit earlier than I'm used to with Wolves," Batth said.
"The place is right off the beaten track. It's on a shepherd's trail and at one point we had 50 sheep walking across the pitch!
"We slept on a table under a mosquito net for two nights – it's a different world out there and we want to do what we can to highlight what these girls have to go through from such a young age. Many of them are forced into child marriage and things like Yuwa make such a big difference to their lives.
"The whole thing was a really great experience, I found it inspiring and humbling.
"The film looks great, Natalie has done everything for it and I'm sure people will find it really interesting."
Proceeds from the film will go to Yuwa who are fundraising to build a new school and accommodation.
The film will also be available to watch online for £3.
Next Wednesday's premiere at the Ramada Park Hall includes a champagne reception, a Q&A session and an opportunity to meet some of the Wolves players.
Click here to book a ticket.
