Yesterday, we announced the exciting news that five Academy Graduates, Maine Walder, Harry Jones, Harvey Gregson, Rhys Long, and Owen Robinson had signed their first professional contracts with the Club.

Before you watch them on the playing field next season, you can get to know them a little better here…

Who are they?

Maine Walder, 18, is a versatile defender who primarily plays in central defence, but can also play at left-back. Maine was an AFC Fylde player at 14 years of age, coming through our junior academy team, and has continued to develop throughout his four years at the club. He captained his side throughout his final season at U18 level, guiding the team to a fourth-round tie against Chelsea FC, and featuring in every fixture in the build-up to that historic fixture.

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Harry Jones, 17, joined AFC Fylde in 2019 as a 15-year-old and has been one of the most improved players over the last 24 months, progressing from our development team to the Youth Team. Liverpool-based Harry has established himself as a tough-tackling midfielder with impressive passing ability. ‘Jonesy’ played a pivotal role in the AFC Fylde U18 team who were crowned North West Youth Alliance Champions recently. Following on from that, he spent time on loan at North West Counties side Skelmersdale United last season.

Harvey Gregson, 18,  is another player to progress through our Junior Academy set-up, initially signing for the club in 2018 as a centre midfielder. Chorley-based, Grego’, quickly asserted himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.  He has been described as an aggressive midfielder, who can tackle and head, with lots of attacking quality.  He won the Luke Bennett Award for being the Academies Player of the Year.  Definitely, one to watch for the future.

Rhys Long, 18, joined the Club in 2019 as a 16-year-old from Wigan Athletic FC. Rhys has a great belief in himself as a player and within games is always a huge attacking threat for the team. This season he scored the opening goal in the Under-18’s FA Youth Cup first-round proper tie vs Morecambe and followed it up by getting on the scoresheet once again vs Sunderland under the lights at Mill Farm.

Owen Robinson, 18, arrived at AFC Fylde Academy following his release from Fleetwood’s Academy as an under-16. He is a player that can light up a game with his technical ability and skill/precision with the ball at his feet. ‘Robbo’ has been fundamental in the U18’s successful FA Youth Cup and League run this season, ending as top goalscorer.