Phil Parkinson Welcomes Academy Star Harry Ashfield as Wrexham AFC’s Best Young Talent
June 5, 2025 – Wrexham, Wales
Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson has warmly welcomed 18-year-old midfielder Harry Ashfield, recently named the club’s Academy Player of the Season, into the senior squad. Ashfield’s impressive performances at both youth and senior levels have marked him as one of the most promising talents emerging from Wrexham’s revitalized academy system.(leaderlive.co.uk)
Ashfield, a Wrexham native and lifelong supporter of the Red Dragons, has been with the club since the age of six. His dedication and skill culminated in winning the prestigious Bob Clark Academy Player of the Season award for the 2023/24 season, recognizing his leadership and contributions to the Under-18s squad .
Parkinson, known for his commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, expressed his enthusiasm for Ashfield’s development. “Harry has shown remarkable progress and maturity beyond his years. His performances have earned him opportunities with the first team, and he has seized them with both hands,” Parkinson commented. “It’s exciting to see a local lad making such strides; it embodies what we’re building here at Wrexham.”
Ashfield made his senior debut in October 2023 during an EFL Trophy match against Crewe Alexandra and has since made several appearances, including scoring his first professional goal in a 4-1 victory over Port Vale in February 2025 . His seamless transition into senior football underscores the effectiveness of Wrexham’s academy in preparing players for higher levels of competition.
The club’s recent elevation to an EFL Category 3 Academy, following a successful audit and significant investment in a new training facility at Darland High School, reflects Wrexham’s commitment to developing young talent . Parkinson emphasized the importance of this infrastructure in providing a clear pathway for academy players to reach the first team.
Ashfield, currently balancing his football career with studies at Coleg Cambria, expressed his gratitude and ambition. “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m thankful for the support from the coaches, my family, and the fans. I’m focused on continuing to improve and contributing to the team’s success,” he said.
As Wrexham prepares for the upcoming season, the integration of players like Ashfield into the senior squad signifies a promising future built on local talent and strong developmental foundations.