Academy talent Harry Ashfield lifted an award on Monday night and the youngster has lauded one ‘unbelievable’ factor that has accelerated his progression at Wrexham.
Wrexham‘s progression has been incredible since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney arrived at the club.
Of course, the Reds have been promoted twice in consecutive seasons, but every single department has skyrocketed, seeing an increase in ticket sales, and revenue, more supporters watching from the United States and improved popularity on social media.
Wrexham’s youth system has also taken a similar path, with their academy benefitting from the use of improved facilities.
Their under-18s currently top the pile in the Youth Alliance league, collecting 18 wins from 25 matches this term, only tasting defeat on six occasions and scoring the most goals (77).
Wrexham’s youth side has played host to the development of several youngsters, including winger Harry Ashfield, who has impressed Phil Parkinson.
The 2006-born starlet was given his first-team debut in a 3-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy and has now been recognised for his performances.
Harry Ashfield drops ‘unbelievable’ claim after winning award
Ashfield has been at Wrexham since the age of six, so when he made his first-team debut for the club, he was thrilled to have achieved a lifelong dream of becoming a professional footballer.
On Monday night, he was rewarded for his progression after lifting the Bob Clark Academy Player of the Season award.
Following in similar footsteps to the talented Max Cleworth – who also emerged from the academy – the 17-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.
Ashfield’s talent has seen him train with Parkinson’s first-team on several occasions, so he’s seen the levels he has to reach to make a regular breakthrough into the first-team side.
He’s hailed this experience as “unbelievable” and claims his experienced teammates have helped him settle in well.
“It’s been a great experience training with the lads, probably once a week,” Ashfield told Wrexham’s YouTube channel. “It’s been unbelievable; the type of players we have there are great with me and they’re unbelievable.”
Wrexham’s experience can help blood young talent
Wrexham only set up their new Academy last year but it has gone from strength to strength and the emergence of talents, such as Ashfield, has only heightened it’s profile.
The teenage sensation wasn’t the only player to make the first team this season, as Callum Edwards was also named on the bench against Crewe.
It demonstrates that Wrexham’s under-18 setup can churn out precocious talents who have big potential in the game.
Having watched Cleworth benefit from the experience around him, other players coming through can lean on the older players in the squad for advice and this will only stand them in good stead.
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