Growth has brought change to the structure of the Academy and Pathways Boys’ programs at Wynnum Wolves FC for 2026 – and that has been change for the good according to Wynnum Wolves FC Football Director, Richard Greer.
Elevation to the Academy 1 League for 2026 has opened up opportunity for both players and coaches at the bayside club and, in kind, has delivered rewards for many dedicated club members who have been supporting the club’s Pathways development program over recent seasons.
“Yes – League 1 will be a big step up for both our players and our coaches next season, but the structures we’ve had in place at the club through our Pathways development program in the boys space have made the transition a pretty smooth one in terms of having both players and coaches ready to step up to that challenge,” Greer said. “We’ve also had some of our stronger girls come through Pathways as well and eventually flow into our girls Academy teams.
“Pathways has been a great program for us and the improvement of our Pathways players has been significant over the past few years. Now the hard work they have put in has been rewarded with many being offered positions in either an Academy League 2 or League 1 for next season.”
“At Wolves we have a very strong focus on developing our own and rewarding from within – especially in our 9s to 12s space,” he said.
“All teams are going to have to work hard next year to compete in both League 1 and League 2. We’re not expecting them to be world beaters. Development is always our key focus and if they start the year with the attitude that they are prepared to work hard and give 100 per cent the rewards are going to come. That’s all we can ask from both the players and the coaches,” Greer said.
Greer acknowledged the hard work of Pathways technical lead, Adam Krayem, in building the depth and quality of the Wolves’ Pathways program over the past three years.
He is also excited to have welcomed quite a few new faces to the Wolves’ Academy coaching team alongside many returning coaches.
The Wolves’ Pathways program has also been a great breeding ground for emerging coaches for the club with a number of longstanding community and Pathways coaches now committed to completing their C Diploma and B Diploma Licences as they also advance within the Wolves’ development structure.
“A coaching refresh is always part of the evolution of clubs. It’s always sad to see good coaches move on, but it’s equally important for players to be exposed to a new voice and to learn from new coaches who bring new energy and ideas,” he said.
“It’s important we thank the coaches who were part of the 2025 program, but now it’s time to look forward.
“We’ve taken our time and we’re confident we have a great coaching team together that has embraced the values and goals of our club. We’re really looking forward to getting started on 2026.”
Wynnum’s Academy players – both boys and girls – have put in a strong pre-season training block throughout November including baseline fitness testing, on-field training and team building and education in the club’s Academy expectations and protocols for the upcoming season.
All players will start December with key objectives to maintain over the break leading into 2026 pre-season training which will resume at Carmichael Park on January 5th to prepare for a February start to the League.
ENDS