Wolves Academy are the Kings of the Gothia Cup after topping off a superb week in Sweden by beating hot Brazilian favourites Cruzeiro EC in this afternoon's final.
It was a week when all 17 players earned the plaudits for a genuinely excellent all-round team effort, but ultimately keeper Daniel East was the hero of the hour as the team triumphed 2-1 on penalties after the two sides couldn't be separated during the game.
In what was the under-17 event, Wolves were up against a Cruzeiro side who were effectively defending champions having triumphed at under-16 level at the prestigious competition in Sweden last year.
In front of a crowd in excess of 10,000 at Sweden's Gamla Ullevi Stadium, Wolves went behind early on through a shot from Gabriel before Jack Price equalised, and ultimately prevailed on penalties with East making three "unbelievable" saves.
"It was a really tight game and the Brazilians were a very difficult side to play - technically they were outstanding," said Academy manager Kevin Thelwell.
"We were certainly the underdogs and had to weather the storm after they went ahead but the lads stuck at it, held their nerve and Jack finished off a good move with a neat finish to level the scores.
"From there it was stalemate to the end with both sides having chances to win until it had to be settled by a penalty shootout.
"And that's where Daniel came in.
"He's only just come into the building full time as an Academy player ahead of this season, but he made three unbelievable penalty saves in helping us to the win.
"But from everyone concerned, it was an absolutely brilliant performance."
It's not just the players who finished up delighted but all the staff as well, including new Assistant Academy Manager Mick Halsall, sport scientist John Iga, Head of the Academy's Medical Department Phil Hayward and Education and Welfare Officer Nick Loftus.
Fitness rather than results was always the main priority as the team prepare for the Academy season to come, but the young players finished up producing in both departments in adding Wolves to the Gothia Cup roll of honour.
"They are a group of players who have proved they can cope with the experience of playing on the big stage and myself and Mick, indeed all the staff, are very proud of them," Kevin added.
"Physical preparation for the new season was always the priority, but we have all ended up enjoying a far richer experience than we could ever have wished for.
"We came to play games to prepare for the season, but at the same time the lads had the chance to show that they could be champions, which is just the sort of attitude they need if they have aspirations of playing for our first team.
"Full credit to them all - they've been unbelievable - and we've ended up winning the cup!"
After a somewhat hectic week with three group games followed by three knockout rounds - in which Wolves remained unbeaten - the squad can enjoy a day off before travelling home early on Monday.
