October was a very busy period for the International Soccer School as not only did we have programmes running in Australia and Spain but we hosted our annual Grand Skills Final back home at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.
This year saw over 40 players attend from all over the world including Australia, Canada, South Korea, India and the USA to name a few. The event was held over 4 nights where players, friends and family stayed at the De Vere Whites Hotel which is actually located within the Stadium itself. The players were put through their places in a number of training sessions which included various testing before a select number were picked to participate in a target game against our Football studies Programme. The Target team got beat 1-0 in what was a very close competitive game with Canadian Lucas Fast being named Man of the Match.
The event also included a Stadium Tour giving players and non participants access to the home and away changing rooms that was delivered by our BWFCISS Coaches. As the final day approached it seen BWFC host Liverpool FC in the Premier League to which all attended. The players got a special treat at half time as they were invited pitchside for a half time parade where both home and away fans showed their support and encouragement.
After such an intense itinerary over the event the BWFCISS Coaches and Manager Dave Bailey had a hard decision to make about who was the overall winner. The winner was decided upon the overall attitude, testing results and final performance in the target game, all players who took part put 100% into all activities and were a credit to BWFC, their own clubs and countries. The overall winner was our Man of the Match Lucas Fast, Lucas is 14 years old and from Chiliwack, Canada.
Bolton Wanderers International Soccer School would like to congratulate Lucas again and say well done to all other players who took part in what was a very successful event. We would also like to thank all the parents and families of the players for their continued support and we look forward to seeing you again in the near future. Lucas will now as part of his prize return to the UK to join the Football Studies Programme on a week long taster experience.