For the third year in a row Wolves football development coaches have flown to Texas in the States to deliver camps for international partners Houston Wolves Soccer Club.
Over the two weeks of camps, Wolves coaches Joe Hunt, Ryan Griffiths and Mitch Gough worked with 157 players, aged between four and 15, in the south of the country.
The coaches worked on core techniques of passing and receiving, dribbling and turns, running with the ball and shooting, and then taking these techniques into small-sided games.
In addition to the coaching of the local Houston players, Joe Hunt also worked with the Houston Wolves technical director, Stephen Williams, comparing coaching syllabus and explaining the best practice in the UK.
Stephen Williams, technical director, Houston Wolves SC, said: “The Wolves development camp has continued to grow over the past three years, and this summer we welcomed more players than ever before. It was great to see Houston Wolves players training alongside players from across the local soccer community and sharing the experience together.
“Having Joe, Ryan and Mitch travel to Houston from Wolves gave the players a unique opportunity to learn directly from elite coaches. They brought a great balance of energy, detail and personality to the sessions, and the connection they developed with the players was clear throughout both weeks.
“What stood out most was how willing the players were to challenge themselves. They worked hard, competed and were pushed technically, physically and mentally, but the environment remained positive and enjoyable. The players left each day tired, smiling and excited to return for the next session.
“The response from parents has been extremely positive, and it has been rewarding to hear how much confidence and enjoyment their children gained from the experience. The camp continues to strengthen the connection between Houston Wolves and Wolverhampton Wanderers while giving players from across Houston access to a professional elite experience.
“Most importantly, whether they were already Houston Wolves players or joining us for the first time, every child was welcomed, included and given the opportunity to experience what it truly means to be part of the pack.”
Joe Hunt, head of global football development, said: “This was my second year travelling to Texas to deliver to our partners Houston Wolves. As always, it was unbelievable, the team at Houston Wolves go out of their way to look after us and make sure we have great numbers to coach. Not only were the players open to how we coach, but they also work incredibly hard to take the information on board and implement it into their games.
“When we travel internationally to coach, we have to take a lot into account, particularly the weather! We had two groups each per day, one from 9am to 12pm and then a second group from 5pm till 8pm. Even away from the afternoon heat it's still hot so it's my choice to take multiple 'hydration breaks', most the time it's for me and the coaches as we're the ones struggling!! They weren't popular at the world cup but with my staff and I they were more than welcome.
“Every time we go to the USA we enjoy working with the players, they always work hard which is an American trait. But as coaches we're talking to them about the details in the game and having more control than just running fast. Between the three coaches we had various age ranges so was important our delivery was age and ability appropriate. Huge credit to Mitch and Ryan who worked with the younger players and had to make sure they kept them engaged for three hours with technical coaching mixed with inventive games to showcase their newly established skills.”
