Wanderers have welcomed nine new scholars to the club as they prepare for their first season as full-time Academy players.
The youngsters begin a two-year scholarship programme as part of the Wanderers’ youth team as they look to develop a career with the Whites.
They will join the 10 second-year scholars in Julian Darby’s squad for the upcoming EFL North-West Youth Alliance campaign.
Most have come through Wanderers’ Academy set-up from various age groups – and already had a taste of U18 football – with three new arrivals from Everton.
And Head of Academy Dave Gardiner believes they all bring plenty of potential to the youth set-up.
“We are really excited about this season’s new scholars,” said Gardiner (above).
“They are a fantastic group of players who, most importantly, are great individuals with the desire to learn, both on and off the pitch.
“They are all technically gifted players with the physical profile to match. They have great potential, and we can’t wait to get started on the scholarship programme.
“The group is made up of a number of local players, some who have been with us from a very early age.
“It’s exciting for all the Academy staff to see these players come through the Academy pathway and testament to all the hard work that has taken place in the department over the last few seasons.
“The group has also been strengthened with the successful recruitment of three additional players from Category 1 academies.
“In the last year we have really grown as an Academy. I am proud of every member of staff as we have changed the way we work and implemented new processes to align with the vision of the football club. The future is bright.”
The Class of 2022/23
Goalkeeper George Barlow has been with Wanderers from the U15s' group after successfully making the step up from local football.
Energetic central midfielder Harry Leigh joined Wanderers from Liverpool’s academy at U11 level.
Attacking central midfielder Conor Lewis has progressed through Wanderers’ age groups from U6 upwards and was second top scorer in the U16s last season.
Central defender Jamie Grayson joined Wanderers from Liverpool at U11 level and became a regular for the Whites' U18s last season.
Wing-back and left winger Harrison Rice joins the Whites from Premier League outfit Everton.
Central defender Oliver Smith is another from Everton, joining Wanderers’ U16 group at Christmas to earn his scholarship deal.
Left-back Emile Oliver completes the Everton connection after joining the Whites’ U16s towards the end of last season.
Striker Deashon Lawrence joined Wanderers from local football at U13 and after going through the age groups top scored for the U16s last season.
Central midfielder Harley Irwin joined Wanderers’ development programme at U9 level before signing for the Academy a year later and progressing through the ranks to scholar status.