The opportunity of a lifetime was experienced by Josh Mowchenko, since he was able to attend a soccer camp at the Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy in Wolverhampton, England.
This academy is a full-time school and is considered to be one of the top three schools for football (soccer). Mowchenko spent 10 days at the camp.
The 16-year-old Weyburn athlete felt that he learned a lot from the soccer camp. “It was a great experience to be coached by their coaches and playing games against the Academy students.”
“The camp was really enlightening, since it brought out the best in me,” said Mowchenko. “During the practices and the games, my skills definitely progressed.”
All the athletes who attended the 10-day camp were considered among the top players in their respective countries. “We were all at the same level, so we could bring each other up and compete at an even higher level.”
Last year, Mowchenko was selected for the North American summer soccer game, where he had the opportunity to travel to Rome, Georgia, to get training from coaches from the Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy.
From the North American camp, the top third of the athletes (which included Mowchenko) were chosen to travel to Wolverhampton, England for the 10-day camp.
“The coaching was at such a higher level, that it was a great experience,” said Mowchenko. “The soccer camp was about improving the mental game, as much as it was about improving our physical game.”
“We learned about positioning, and when to push up the field and put pressure (on your opponent), and when to drop back. There were also some technical skills taught to us,” said Mowchenko.
While in Wolverhampton, Mowchenko also had the opportunity to tour around and take in the city.
For the upcoming soccer season, Josh will be balancing his time with the Queen City United in Regina and the Comp Eagles boys soccer team.
The Queen City United program competes in the Premier Soccer League. They have a lot of practice sessions that will continue to improve Mowchenko’s soccer skills.
One of the things he mentioned was how appreciative he is of the Weyburn Minor Soccer Association. At a young age, Mowchenko had his initial start at the minor soccer level, and worked his way up to competing for many different teams.
“They have always been very supportive to how the organization has been cooperative and supportive of me. They have always encouraged me to keep pushing for my goals,” said Mowchenko.
The next step for Mowchenko will be to get accepted into an university soccer team.
