Wolves and Shonan Bellmare have joined forces in Hong Kong for a three-day football development camp, bringing together the coaching philosophies and expertise of two clubs from England and Japan.
The 2026 Wolves x Shonan Bellmare Hong Kong Football Development Camp took place from 27th to 29th August, marking the first time the two clubs have collaborated on a youth football development programme in Hong Kong.
The camp was led by Wolves’ head of global football development Joe Hunt, who delivered a programme based on the principles of English youth development.
Throughout the three days, players took part in sessions designed to develop their technical ability, tactical understanding, decision-making and overall performance, while being introduced to the intensity and standards of an English football environment.
Shonan Bellmare were also strongly represented, with club general manager and legendary former player Koji Sakamoto, and football operations and scouting officer Shintaro Harada attending the camp throughout.
Both Sakamoto and Harada closely observed the players during training and provided individual feedback and development advice, offering the participants an insight into the approach taken within the Japanese professional football system.
The collaboration provided an opportunity for players to experience different football cultures and methodologies, while also creating a platform for coaches from Wolves and Shonan Bellmare to exchange ideas around youth development.
Joe Hunt said: “It was fantastic to work alongside Shonan Bellmare for the first time in Hong Kong and to bring together different approaches to player development.
“The players showed great enthusiasm throughout the camp, and it was encouraging to see them respond to new challenges and different coaching ideas.
“For Wolves, programmes like this are about more than developing players on the pitch. We want to inspire young people through football, give them access to new experiences and help them understand what it takes to continue developing.”
The Hong Kong camp forms part of Wolves’ ongoing commitment to international football development and its work across Asia.
Following the launch of the club’s football development programme in the Greater Bay Area in 2025, Wolves continue to expand opportunities for young players to experience the club’s football philosophy and professional coaching environment.
The partnership with Shonan Bellmare also strengthens the relationship between the two clubs and creates further opportunities for football development, coaching exchange and cultural learning in the future.
Both clubs remain committed to exploring new ways to support the development of young players and contribute to the growth of football across the region.
