AFC Fylde are proud to announce that Jesse Hailwood has signed his first professional contract with the Football Club.

Jesse has penned a one-year deal at Mill Farm after impressing for the Coasters during their pre-season friendlies.

Midfielder Hailwood is the second AFC Fylde academy graduate to sign professional terms this summer, following on from Jack Morris.

Last season, Danny Ormerod and Taelor O’Kane both progressed from the academy to the first-team, with the club providing an ever improving pathway for young players.

He was a part of the U18s team who reached the FA Youth Cup third round after overcoming EFL sides Doncaster Rovers and Accrington Stanley.

Speaking on his new deal, Jesse told the club website: “I feel over the moon. It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional deal.

“The first few weeks have been tough but I’ve enjoyed every minute. The season finished and I was straight into pre-season with the first team, working hard and it’s been great.

“I’m an enthusiastic and confident player who will work hard for the team and this season, I just want to work hard, develop and get my professional career started.”

Head Coach Chris Beech added: “We are absolutely delighted to hand Jesse his first professional deal with the football club.

“His hard-work and endeavour to impress whilst being involved with the first team squad whether it’s playing or training has been apparent throughout his time with us, and he has been a credit to not only himself and his family, but our academy set-up too.

“It shows real promise for our football club that talents like Jesse are adjusting to life in the first-team set up so well and making the impression that Jesse has. He’s an attacking outlet whilst being defensively strong and his skillset will only improve as he claims more experience in and around the first-team environment.

“His performance against Blackpool set the standard and whilst he still has a lot to learn and skills to develop, his talent is clear to see and I’m excited to work with Jesse to see how far he can go and progress for AFC Fylde.”

Everyone at the club congratulates Jesse on his first contract at Mill Farm and wishes him all the best for the season ahead.