Five representatives from the ISS made a week-long visit to assist at the Defender's Academy that is located in his home village of Siglufjörður in Northern Iceland. Each year over 100 children attend, traveling from all over Iceland to the small village which has a population of approximately 1,000 and is renowned for its fishing industry.
With the help of Bolton Wanderers, Gretar is hoping that in the future other aspiring footballers can flourish and grace the Premier League. Gretar said;
"My Academy has been running for five years now and I'm proud to say that we have had over 500 children visit and take part since we first launched. We get children from all over the country traveling to Siglufjörður and everyone in the village gets involved. People take the week off work to help out which is fantastic. I'd like to thank everyone because we had a week to remember. The coaches were great and I know that the children all enjoyed themselves."
Speaking about the ISS's involvement with Gretar's Academy, Manager Dave Bailey commented:
"Four years ago Gretar came to me with the idea of setting something up. He asked about using the brand of Bolton and our coaches and we were happy to get involved. This was our fourth visit and I would say that this was probably the best response that we have had. Considering there was another English Premier League Soccer School just up the road and they had just 20 children participating, it shows the pull of Bolton Wanderers."
"It's amazing to think where Gretar has come from because Siglufjörður is just a small fishing village and its main attraction is the Herring museum. Gretar obviously provides that dream of what can be achieved because he is playing in the Premier League week in week out, and we are trying to assist with that."
Tony Kelly, who still combines his role of U18's Assistant Coach with duties as the club's Fans Liaison Officer, also explained that it was a really enjoyable seven days;
"We really enjoyed ourselves last year so Gretar invited us back over again, the Academy speaks volumes of Gretar, not only as a professional footballer but also as a person, that he is willing to put something back into the area that he grew up in."
"The weather conditions weren't the best - it was cold and wet - but it didn't dampen the spirits of the children. There are some very good players over there. Gretar spent a few days with us, and we'd like to think that it was a dream come true for the children to be coached by not only himself but representatives from Bolton Wanderers."
"I'd also like to thank Gretar's parents because they looked after us. Aside from the coaching, one of the highlights of the week was when they took us whale watching the day before we left - it was great experience. They took us to restaurants too, so we really got into Icelandic tradition. I thought last year was good but this time was even better."