Fleetwood Town are pleased to announce five players have progressed from the Under-18s side and will join up with Stephen Crainey’s Development Squad setup ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Harry Wilson, who signed a professional contract at the end of his first-year scholar, became a consistent figure in the FC United of Manchester side, where he spent the last season on loan, gaining valuable experience in the men’s game.
Another player who has made the step up is central midfielder Kyle White, who joined the Cods from AFC Blackpool back in January after a successful trial period, has featured several times for both the Under-18s and Under-23s sides and has since earned a two-year deal.
Defender Tom Hoyle has also signed a two-year deal, with the club also holding an option for a further year. He arrived from Bury at Under-16s level and had worked his way through the Academy, being a pivotal member of the Under-18s squad throughout his two years at the club.
Ollie Leggett has been retained for a further year after joining from partner school, Rossall, in January. The former Fleetwood Town Academy left-back re-joined the Cods after impressing as an Extended Schoolboy last season.
Finally, Jake Wallace has also moved into Stephen Crainey’s Development Squad for the upcoming season, with the club taking the option on his scholarship as he recovers from a long-term knee injury.
Jack Higgins, Town’s Academy Manager, said on the group: “We are delighted to see so many players progress throughout our Academy and onto professional status.
“All five boys have had their own journeys and possess different types of qualities to add to the group and continue their progress with Stephen. That is 11 players that have progressed from the Under-18s into the Development Squad in the past two seasons.
“Harry has shown that he has what it takes to make an impact in the men’s game. He needs to get back fit after an injury layoff last season but has the steel and determination to do so.
“Kyle has shown his strength as a midfielder since joining us – he’s fit, gets about the pitch, and couples that with a confident and comfortable left foot, but still knows he needs to work on elements of his game, but he will be an important part of that group.
“Tom has been with the Academy for a couple of years now and has demonstrated that he is a leader type that deserves his chance at the next level. Ollie came into our Under-18s late last year and put in some really impressive performances.
“Jake suffered an injury to his ACL last season, which kept him off the pitch for the whole year, but his attitude and confidence is great to have around the Academy, and fully deserves an opportunity to get fit with us and showcase himself in the Under-23s.”
Massive congratulations to Harry, Kyle, Tom, Jake, and Ollie!