Over 100 young footballers from all over Northern Ireland came under the watchful eye of coaches from Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this week.
Wolves Academy coaches Shawn Briscoe and Nathan Male paid a visit to Crumlin United's grounds on Wednesday and Thursday.
The trip was facilitated by Connected Coaching NI and saw groups of boys and girls go through their paces with various drills and matches.
Read more: Liverpool vs Everton match programme casts spotlight on Irish League club
Briscoe told Belfast Live: "It is great being here. We are working with Connected Coaching NI who are one of our partners.
"We are working with the kids and putting on some fun sessions and coach education. We have had boys and girls from all age groups, and they have been brilliant to work with.
"All the coaches we have worked with today have been really hospitable, and the level of football has been really good. And the kids are eager to learn, and they're having fun as well.
"I have loved coming to Northern Ireland."
Briscoe added: "We want to see kids who are confident, playing with a smile on their face. We want to see kids who are technically good and brave on the ball.
"The ultimate dream for these kids is to make it into full-time football. It is a long journey and it is very difficult to make it to the highest level, but it is not impossible.
"That's what these camps are all about."
Asked what advice he would give any young player dreaming of a full-time career in football, Briscoe said: "Be obsessed. That's the thing for me, be completely and utterly obsessed. The kids who live, dream, sleep football are the ones who go the furthest.
"And you've got to love that. Wolves are always on the hunt for new players, and we have some talented youngsters right now."
Connected Coaching NI have agreed a three-year deal with Wolves to deliver coaching clinics throughout Northern Ireland.
The partnership will also see a number of kids travel over to the Premier League club in the future for further coaching opportunities.
Steven Savage, director at Connected Coaching NI, said: "We set up camps throughout Northern Ireland and invite various coaches from clubs across the water to give the kids an experience they very rarely get.
"We have worked with a number of different clubs and recently partnered with Wolves. We have signed a three-year contract with them so they will be coming over here for other camps in the future.
"It is great seeing so many kids here enjoying this expert coaching. I have to thanks Crumlin for having us, the facilities are second to none.
"We have kids from 8-15 years old, boys and girls, and hopefully this is an experience they never forget.
"The kids have a smile on their faces, and they are learning from top level coaches."
Steven added: "Who knows, in today's sessions we might have seen the next George Best. Hopefully we can identify some future stars who can go across the water.
"We just want to offer these kids some opportunities with top clubs such as Wolves."
Anyone looking more information on Connected Coaching can check out their Facebook page.
READ NEXT:
Patrick McClean addresses 'silly rumours' as he clarifies Glentoran exit
Former Linfield defender "excited" by new managerial challenge
-
Liverpool vs Everton match programme casts spotlight on Irish League club
Co Down boy's tears turn to cheers as familiar faces salvage dream Anfield trip
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
