Wolves manager Gary O’Neil laid on a training session for the club’s U8s that saw them meet some of their heroes from the first-team.
The youngsters had finished their own session, and then found out that the Molineux head coach was inviting them to the first-team facilities at Compton Park.
The kids had no idea that they would be meeting some Wolves first-teamers and were delighted to meet the likes of captain Max Kilman, Pedro Neto, Toti Gomes, Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha.
According to the club’s official website, O’Neil laid on a game of five-a-side and it is stated the stars interacted with the kids, before referee O’Neil ended the session.
Wolves released footage of the heartwarming gesture earlier today on their social media accounts.
Pre-academy & development centre recruitment officer, Calvin Smith gave his thoughts about the initiative to the club’s official website.
He said: “One thing we look to do each year is get the under-8s to interact with the first-team, however that looks. From a recruitment point of view, it gives these boys the best experiences and that’s what pre-academy is about.
“We try and instil that ‘one pack’ mentality and these boys are at the start of their journey so if they can play and interact with their idols, it makes it more realistic and reachable. The fact that the first-team building is only 100 yards away from where the seven and eight-year-olds train is fantastic.”
Wolves fans react to wholesome Gary O’Neil gesture at Compton Park
The clip released by Wolves today has been lapped up by supporters, many of whom think it’s a lovely feature from O’Neil to involve the U8s with some of his first-team stars.
O’Neil really is proving himself to be a wonderful human being, as well as a top manager.
Since coming in as Julen Lopetegui’s replacement just days before the new season started, O’Neil has slowly but surely gotten the skeptics onside.
Not only is he picking up good results with a squad he still hasn’t been with all that long, he is also conducting himself perfectly in interviews and press conferences.
Whenever he speaks, it is impossible not to be impressed with the words that come out of his mouth, and it is very clear that he is already extremely respected by all within the club.
Here’s what some Wolves fans on social media made of his gesture to the U8s…