The team, coached by Sebi Holerga and Manuel Parra, have gone seven matches without losing
Villarreal decided a number of years ago to back its academy, showing the strong commitment it has to formative football. Every day there are more boys and girls deciding to grow as people and follow their dreams under the tutelage of Villarreal CF. The Yellows Academy has become a model for thousands of footballing schools around the world.
The U8s E team (Benjamín E), coached by Sebi Holerga and Manuel Parra, is a clear example of what Villarreal CF means, as well as following the Yellows’ methodology: “We wain the kids to come, have a good time, follow the methodology and to improve individually,” says Holerga.
The young are in the Liga Benjamín Second Year Castellón Group 4 and are currently in their best spell of the season, beating Les Palmes B 0-1 away this weekend. The Villarreal side have gone seven matches without a defeat and are towards the top of the table. “At the start of the season, the results weren’t positive, but we had good feelings. After the sixth game, the boys were able to adapt to what we were asking from them and what the club was asking from them too,” he analysed.
More than a team, a family
One of their strongest points is the great relationship that exists between parents, players and coaches, which helps the group’s good atmosphere. Furthermore, both Holerga and Parra know the boys from previous years, which has helped them with their development. Holerga confirms that, saying: “On a group level, they’re magnificent. I had them before and I knew the majority of them. Despite that, each day they surprise me and my colleague.”
Villarreal is always looking to get the best out of the players on a sporting level, but without losing values and principles. Beyond the results, the aim is clear: “In the table, we’ve not got a set aim. What we do ask them is that we’re not beaten in terms of motivation and attitude,” says the Yellows Academy coach.
Finally, the youngsters have a ritual that takes place before matches, which motivates them and takes the pressure off. “As coaches, before the games, we leave them to get changed and they ask us to play music. In the match we make sure they know that they’re going to have a good time, to forget the match and to go out with the best mentality possible,” he explains.
The U8s E (Benjamín E) is made up of the following components:
Players: Siro Renau, Josep Branchadell, Sergi Moliner, Hugo Gómez, Robert Romero, Marc Expósito, Adrián Ballester, Mario Rubert, Nicolás Mirón, Alessio Escrig, Pascual Gil.
Coaches: Sebi Holerga, Manuel Parra.
