Harry Ashfield Makes Wrexham AFC Debut
A COLEG CAMBRIA student is on cloud nine after making his Wrexham AFC debut.
Wrexham’s own Harry Ashfield, 17, has been with the Red Dragons since he was just six years old. The marauding midfielder was a thrilling inclusion in manager Phil Parkinson’s squad for the 0-3 EFL Trophy victory over Crewe Alexandra at the Mornflake Stadium recently.
Harry’s Dream
And Harry, a Level 3 Sports learner at Cambria’s Yale site, even got onto the pitch for his senior debut as an 89th minute substitute. The former Darland High School pupil has his sights set on breaking into the team on a regular basis after his brief taste of the big time. He is especially keen given the club’s now global standing under the new owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
“My dream is to become a professional footballer with Wrexham AFC, so this was a huge moment for me,” he said. “I didn’t expect to come on in the game. It was a surprise but undoubtedly one of the highlights of my life.
“I’ve been training with the first team for the last couple of years. It has obviously been a whirlwind given everything that’s happened on and off the pitch – it’s been amazing. My whole family are buzzing. We are all fans of the club, and my dad was there to see me play against Crewe – it was unbelievable.”
Now in his final year at the college, he hopes to go on and appear many more times. However, his real dream is an eventual first appearance at the STōK Cae Ras.
Balancing Studies And Football
“I’ve enjoyed my time at Cambria. It has been challenging balancing my studies with the football, but I’ve managed it and had a lot of support,” said Harry. “From here I will focus completely on football as a career. I’m hungrier than ever after being on the pitch when the team won, and making my debut.”
Sally Jones, Curriculum Director for Sport, Public Services and Business at Yale, congratulated Harry on his soccer success.
“We know how delighted he was to be part of the squad, so to have come on in the game is fantastic,” she said. “We are all very proud of Harry. He’s managed to balance his course with training and playing for the youth set up. We’ve no doubt he will go on to have a brilliant career in football.”
Coleg Cambria’s Learner Experience
CASHING IN on college support is helping students to budget and better manage their money in preparation for the coming years.
Coleg Cambria’s Learner Experience team has had a busy start to the academic year. They have hosted Money Matters sessions focusing on the cost-of-living crisis and ensuring learners are independent. They also prepare them for financial challenges when they enter the world of work or higher education.
Four Rap Workshops
These included four rap workshops with Big Ideas Wales mentor Joseph George – AKA Joey G. The popular Clothing Swap shop at the college’s Yale site was also involved. These two also received a £250 contribution from the Wrexham County Council Youth Grant. This grant enabled them to buy steamers, hangers, and rails to present the items.
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Coordinator Judith Alexander said: “Throughout the year we will be holding events in partnership with leading organisations and individuals to shine a light on the pressures of modern society, notably rising energy and fuel costs, the cost-of-living crisis and more.
“This is not to alarm the students. It’s to ensure they are in the best possible position and able to handle whatever life throws at them when they leave college and go to university or begin their careers.”
A Big Thank You To Big Ideas Wales
She added: “We would like to say a big thank you to Big Ideas Wales and everyone who has supported us. This information and guidance will be invaluable for the learners now and in the future.”
Among the visitors to the swap shop was Music student Tilly Cook. She said: “This has been great for those of us who don’t want to buy into big industries, and support recycling and reusing rather than throwing things away. To have it at the college and so accessible in such a warm, fun environment was a big plus as well.”
For a full list of events taking place this year, email judith.alexander@cambria.ac.uk or tim.feak@cambria.ac.uk.
Visit cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.
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