Wembley-bound Wolves stars visit Telford College campus - with pictures
They might be busy preparing for one of the most important games in the club's recent history but two of Wolverhampton Wanderers' biggest stars have taken time out to inspire the next generation.
Wolves are busy gearing up for a Wembley FA Cup semi-final against Watford, after memorably knocking Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's Manchester United side out of the tournament earlier this month.
Now the club's Portuguese pair of Ivan Cavaleiro and Helder Costa have visited Telford College, where they took part in a Q&A with students on the Wolves-accredited sports course.
Turning up at the college's Haybridge campus after training, the players also joined in an indoor training match with the students.
Costa, who came on for the last few minutes of the win against Manchester United, and has already scored at Wembley once this season in a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, said it was great to get the chance to go out and meet students.
He said: “It’s always fun to come out and work with schools and colleges. We’re pretty busy these days with matches and training but we always get into the community whenever we can. The work the Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation is doing is fantastic and great to see.”
The players posed for photos with students afterwards, and they answered further questions about life as professional athletes.
The course is run in partnership between Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and Telford College.
Jonny Warburton, senior education officer at the foundation said: "It was great to bring two of the first team players to Telford College – it shows the students and the community the range of activities involved in the Wolverhampton Wanderers sport pathways at the college.
“Students get to visit Wolves training facilities, analyse matches with professional guidance, meet players and get coaching from the team at the foundation.
“We’re looking forward to do more of this in the future, especially now with a level 2 course starting in September which will open opportunities to students to progress onto the level 3 programme.
“The courses run in partnership with Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation and Telford College are designed to shape and evolve individuals so they’re ready for successful careers in sports coaching."
Rebekah McFarlane one of the level three students on the Telford College course, said they had been thrilled to meet the players.
She said: "Meeting premiership players is exciting, and one of the best parts of my course. I'd recommend the Wolves route to anyone considering a sports career – we get lots of additional activities.”
The link-up between Telford College and Wolves has been in place since April 2016.
Wolves run a BTEC diploma in sports performance and excellence at the college, and students get chance to regularly visit Molineux and the club's training ground as part of their studies, as well as working with the club's community trust.
