Blog

Under-16 (U16) goalkeeper, Ethan Williams, has been given the opportunity to play for the Men’s futsal team at senior level. Ethan has represented Wrexham Foresters at U16 level for the last year. But as a result of injuries, his skills have been recognised, and he has been called up for this season’s conclusion and the national playoffs.

Ethan has been training with the Men’s futsal team for a couple of months and has thrived in this new environment. His progress is such that the head Coach, Richie Jones, requested that he was registered with the squad. The team has picked up some injuries in the keeper position and as a result, Ethan is now finishing the season in the first team. Both Ethan – and his proud mother, Vicky Kinsella – are over the moon.

This internal progression is a wonderful example of how the ties within our grassroots club and our culture have created pathways for players – and the ethos of promoting players from within.

16-year-old Ethan has been playing football for about nine years. He started playing, like so many youngsters do, because a few of his friends got him involved, and it was something he was interested in. Initially an outfield player, Ethan’s been working hard since moving positions. He only became a goalkeeper about three years ago, with no experience at all in that position. He’s been playing for Wrexham Foresters U16 for a season now. In his new role, he’ll take the goalkeeper position for the men’s futsal, as well as for Wrexham Foresters U16.

Ethan is delighted to step up to the challenge: “It means the world to have an opportunity like this, as it’s definitely something not many players get. My ambition is to continue playing both grassroots and futsal, and hopefully get into the 11-a-side men’s team as well. All the players at Wrexham Foresters futsal have welcomed me with open arms at training sessions and made me feel an integral part of the team. It’s been brilliant and has made the transition really special.”

His mum, Vicky Kinsella is also delighted: “I can’t thank coaches, Richie and Gareth, enough for seeing the potential he has and giving him this amazing opportunity at such a young age!”

Adam Alfi, owner of Wrexham Foresters, is very proud of Ethan’s rise: “From the club’s standpoint, it defines what Wrexham Foresters is all about. It’s about promoting from within and developing the players to be able to compete at the highest level – and perhaps even to make a career out of the sport in the future. Ethan’s progress reflects the promises made by the club from day one – that it is here to be the Wrexham City community sports club and develop and create pathways for every member of the club. This could be on the pitch, on the courts, the sidelines, the coaching and wider staff, or elsewhere. Ethan’s opportunity and his success epitomises this.”