sport, local-sport,

Wollongong president Andrew Byron hopes the creation of a new Wolves academy and junior base at JJ Kelly Park will enhance the region’s ability to nurture the next generation of Socceroos and Matildas representatives. The Wolves announced on Tuesday that from next year the club would run their own academy in a partnership with Coniston FC. It will be based at JJ Kelly Park, where the club has also signed a two-year sub-license agreement to play junior match-days. Coniston and the Illawarra Stingrays will continue to operate at the venue. Byron said the move was a ‘step towards being involved in the community’. “At the end of the two hopefully we can look at each other and say that has been a fantastic two years and really build on it,” he said. “Obviously the plan for the Wollongong Wolves perspective, everything has been done for a reason. We are looking for a big future. “It starts with building foundations and having facilities which are going to cater for our future developments but definitely for us to take responsible and lead the way in terms of making people reach the pinnacle again. “To get Socceroos on the field, and from that Stingrays perspective, Matildas. “Hopefully we can get together and take it to the next level.” The academy will focus on bridging the gap for players who missed selection for junior Wolves squads. The club hopes to expand the program throughout the Illawarra and South Coast in coming seasons.

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