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7 Elite Academy 01 Boys praised by Wolves coach

By James Shaw, 02/28/20, 10:45AM MST

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7 Elite Academy's 01 Boys have been told they compare well with top-flight academy players by a coach at one of the biggest football clubs in the United Kingdom.

Adrian Ganchev, who works with academy players at Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers, took the Saint George team for a training session during their coaching trip to England.

The youngsters spent ten days touring the UK, where they trained and played matches against UK teams at the Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton and Wigan Athletic youth academies.

They also sampled student life at Liverpool Hope University and watched a number of English Premier League and English Football Leagues games.

Ganchev guided the 7 Elite Academy players through a gruelling training session at the Wolves coaching complex and was impressed with their overall ability.

He said: “From the start of the session, their application was spot on. We are really big on the old school family values that Wolves represents and from the moment the boys stepped in here, they showed them.

“Throughout the practice they really applied themselves and their skills are really good, considering they haven't played at Academy level in the UK before.

“They weren't far off from what we expect from the boys here. They showed great ability on the ball, but also off the ball in terms of their understanding of simple things like movement, knowing where to move and when to move.

“The lads were really quick to learn and take information on board. From a physical point of view they are not too different and looked very strong and mature.

“They were very quick and their passing, in terms of speed of the pass and direction of the pass was really good and impressive.”

Chris Hope, from LLS, gave the players a tour of Liverpool Hope University during their visit to the UK.

He said: “It was great to have 7 Elite Academy come to Liverpool Hope University. University Sports Performance staff had the chance to present to 7 Elite Academy and inform them about the fantastic full-time football opportunity they could be part of here in Liverpool through USP.

"USP are looking for talented student athletes who are invested in gaining a University education as well as training football (soccer) on a full time basis. This will allow the student athletes to experience living in a unbelievable city, whilst gaining an English education and taking their football (soccer) to the next level.

`'Student athletes don't have to do sport degrees if they don't want to. But they will be part of a programme where they can continue gaining access to top facilities, UEFA licensed coaching and being able to play a full 10 month season, where the opportunities to develop are endless.

“These players will have team mates from all over the world, which will enable them to learn life lessons, make new friends and build their network, as USP believe this is a key ingredient to building success.

“We look forward to working with several 7 Elite Academy players now and in the future.”

7 Elite Academy Global Technical Director, Anthony Godfrey, watched as the players were put through their paces in Wolverhampton.

He said: “The Wolves Academy complex is a fantastic example of how clubs in the UK are investing in the coaching and development of talented youngsters. It is something we want to replicate in the United States.

“I am delighted, but not surprised, that Adrian was so impressed with the 01 Boys during their training sessions. Our players acquitted themselves so well throughout their tour of British academies.

“I can't thank Wolves, Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan enough for showing our boys a glimpse of life as a professional academy player in the UK. It has been a fantastic experience for them.

“They are now approaching the age where they will graduate from 7 Elite Academy and we want to ensure they have the best possible start to the next phase of their lives.

“By taking the boys to these great academies, while also giving them a tour of Liverpool Hope University, we are showing them options that will undoubtedly benefit them in the long term.”


To learn more about USP please email international@llsonline.uk or visit https://www.llsonline.uk/university-sports-performance/.