Bell Gardens FC in the USA have become the latest partners of Wolves football development department.
The latest partnership will see Wolves provide coaching education to the team at Bell Gardens online every month and help shape the Bell Gardens curriculum to bring them in line with how a Premier League club operates.
Furthermore, Wolves staff will travel to California to coach Bell Gardens players, both male and female, in a series of recreational and elite camps.
Coming the opposite way will be Bell Gardens, bringing groups of players and parents to the UK to enjoy Wolves by experiencing coaching at Compton Park, tour Molineux and take in a Premier League game.
On their visit, Bell Gardens staff will observe the workings of Wolves Academy, as well as the work behind grassroots and development football for both boys and girls in the UK.
Wolves international project manager Joe Hunt said: “I’m thrilled to get the partnership between Wolves and Bell Gardens over the line. Manuel and I first met in Philadelphia at the United Soccer Coaches convention back in early January of this year.
“During our first conversation, I knew our clubs were aligned. Manuel has done a wonderful job creating Bell Gardens FC, I could tell straight away he was determined to create a safe and enjoyable space for local children in Southern California to participate in organised football.
“Bell Gardens are a progressive football club with the development of players at the forefront, we are delighted to have them as an international partner. Over the next few months we will be conducting numerous online coach education sessions between Wolves staff and coaches from Bell Gardens.
“We will happily share how we work in the UK at all levels, starting from our grassroots programme all the way through to our elite work. In addition to this, Wolves staff will be making their way out to California to work in person with Bell Gardens staff and players in February 2024.
“We will run some recreation, talent ID and position specific sessions with the players as well as continuing our coach education sessions. Hopefully later in 2024 we will welcome Manuel, his staff, players and parents to the UK to experience firsthand how we work in the UK.”
Manuel Madrigal, president of Bell Gardens FC, added: “At Bell Gardens, our mission is to develop young footballers through Wolves’ framework so that they may progress and play at the highest level possible. We also aim to unite the local community and inspire the next generation.
“As President of BGFC, I feel it is crucial for us to find guidance with a top English football club and so we did exactly that. We look to grow our partnership over the years as we develop with the help of Wolves.
“We hope to achieve this by having proper curriculum implementation and high-level coaching education. I am truly honoured to share the Wolves badge in Southern California in efforts to grow the pack in every corner of the world.”
