Wollongong Wolves will look to establish international links with overseas academies once the Covid-19 travel restrictions ease.
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Having regained their foothold as a NSW National Premier League powerhouse, the Wolves are also celebrating five years since their development academy was established in support of their elite Skill Acquisition Program structure, led by technical director Jacob Timpano.
The academy runs sessions in Wollongong and Gerringong and provides training for seven to 15-year-olds and has already helped players move into the Illawarra Premier League ranks.
"We've been talking to partners overseas, that was something we had planned when Covid hit," Wolves academy coach Alfredo Esteves said.
"We've seen the academy build to having 110 players involved and expanding to Gerringong, and about 60 players move into Wolves' pathway as well as South Coast Flame and Illawarra clubs.
"So it would be a big next step and an opportunity to develop and share expertise with overseas clubs.
"The main objective has always been to help develop and add polish to junior players, whether or not they play with the Wolves, so it's been great to see it grow in the last five years."
Among the academy products includes Taj Demito, who is now part of the Sydney FC under 14 program.
"We don't want to have big numbers, our whole focus has been on quality," Esteves said.
The Wolves' NPL season kicks off against Rockdale away on Sunday afternoon.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
