Wolverhampton Wanderers football development coaches completed their third straight summer camp in Houston, Texas, coaching 157 local players aged four to 15 over two weeks of elite training sessions.
What happened in Houston?
Joe Hunt, Ryan Griffiths and Mitch Gough led the Wolves coaching team in Texas from 9am to 12pm and 5pm to 8pm each day. They focused on core skills-passing and receiving, dribbling and turns, running with the ball and shooting-before moving into small-sided games. Hunt also sat down with Houston Wolves technical director Stephen Williams to compare coaching syllabuses and share best-practice methods from the UK.
The Houston camp grew again this year, drawing more players than ever. Williams said the visiting Wolves coaches brought “a great balance of energy, detail and personality” and that players left each day “tired, smiling and excited to return.” Parents reported their children gained confidence and enjoyment, while every child was welcomed regardless of prior experience.
Why it matters for Wolverhampton Wanderers
The annual link-up strengthens the partnership between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Houston Wolves Soccer Club. For Wolves, it’s a chance to export the club’s coaching philosophy overseas and scout young talent in a key US market. Hunt noted the American players’ work ethic and openness to technical detail, adding that the trip also tested the coaches’ own adaptability in 36 °C heat.
Between the three Wolves coaches, sessions were tailored to different age groups and abilities. Hydration breaks became a running joke among the staff, Hunt said, but they kept the players fresh in the Texas afternoon sun. The camp ran from late June into early July, fitting into Wolves’ pre-season schedule.
What comes next?
Wolves will review feedback from Houston and decide how to refine next year’s programme. Hunt said the club aims to keep expanding the camp’s reach while maintaining the quality of coaching and the Wolves brand experience. For Houston families, the partnership offers a taste of professional-level training without leaving Texas.
The two clubs will continue sharing coaching resources and player-development insights, building on three years of collaboration that began in 2024.
