Wolves defender Yerson Mosquera visited the City of Wolverhampton College prior to the end of the season, to meet and chat to students on the Foundation’s Football & Education College Academy about life on and off the pitch.
The Colombian international, who was coming to the end of his return to fitness after a long-term injury, spoke about his footballing journey and playing against some of Europe’s top talents during his time with Villarreal, as well as his recovery and the importance of following good habits in areas such as conditioning and nutrition.
After taking questions from the students, Mosquera then went out onto the College’s pitches to observe the different squads in training and pass on more information about his experiences in the game.
Dami, coming to the end of the first year of the programme, was delighted to be able to meet and listen to Mosquera.
“The whole experience with the nutrition workshop was great as we got to learn so much and discovered how you can positively affect performance,” she said.
“I found it interesting that Yerson was coming back from injury and said how much his diet has improved his recovery rates and how it has also played a key chapter into him making it as a pro and excelling as a Premier League player.
“I found it really inspiring to learn about his journey and listen to advice that helped him make it to the top level.
“He was also very humble and the workshop was very specific to us as he allowed us to ask him questions.
“I think the college programme is good because it has tested me as a student and a footballer and how important it is to be balanced across both.
“The coaches constantly push me to be a better footballer and they are also closely linked with the tutors which mean they communicate with me on and off the pitch so I can do well in both aspects.
“After college, hopefully I might be able to go to America to play football and go to University as a student athlete, and hopefully improve even more.”
The activation formed just one of the additional enrichment opportunities which students enjoy alongside their studies for a BTEC qualification, which aims to prepare students for a career in some form of sport.
In addition to the academic and practical learning, there are also many of these enrichment opportunities during the year, notably having the chance to play fixtures against other club community organisations (CCOs) from the EFL and Premier League.
Opponents include the likes of CCO’s from Liverpool, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, and the programme offers a really positive experience of competitive football.
To find out more email bradmoore@wolves.co.uk.
