Emil Hallfreðsson gives young players a taste of professional football

Former Iceland international Emil Hallfreðsson has run a football academy in partnership with his former club Hellas Verona for the past three summers, with more than 600 Icelandic children and teenagers travelling to Italy to take part. His wife, Ása María Reginsdóttir, is also closely involved, mbl.is reports.

Hallfreðsson limits each group to 30 players so he can give them individual attention. He says he is present throughout the week, around the clock, and makes a point of learning everyone’s name and responding to each player’s needs.

He attends every training session alongside a six-person coaching team provided by Hellas Verona. Hallfreðsson describes the work as demanding but very enjoyable.

The academy aims to give participants a professional football environment, whether or not they go on to pursue the sport. Training clothes and accommodation are provided, and the players’ clothes are washed during the week. They need to bring only their football boots and underwear.

“During their week in Verona, the children should feel like kings and queens,” Hallfreðsson says.