A LARGE number of aspiring footballers from the Rhyl area are looking to make a name for themselves at one of the country’s best Academy systems.

No fewer than seven youngsters from the town are currently part of the Crewe Alexandra Academy structure, which has Category Two status from the Football Association and has produced some highly-decorated players who went onto great things.

This is further testament to the strong football roots embedded in the town, which is now continuing at CPD Y Rhyl 1879 after the old Rhyl FC officially wound-up their 141-year history due to financial issues.

Connor Salisbury is the oldest of these players at aged 17, with the talented prospect currently in the first year of his scholarship at the League Two club.

Another who is catching the eye is Matthew Senior, who turned out for Alex’s U15 squad, with Daniel Wallis and Iago Scott earning a place on their U13 side after impressing considerably during a trial period.

Eddie Doig is part of their U12 set-up and has performed well both during training and competitive matches, with Sebastien Scott-Phillips and Victor Niemczuk-Luke begging their journeys at Crewe as part of their U10 side.

Each player started their fledgeling football careers at junior sides across the region, which include the recently disbanded Rhyl FC Academy, the Connah’s Quay Nomads Academy, Kinmel Bay Juniors and Rhyl Hearts Junior FC before progressing to a professional environment.

Crewe has a strong reputation for bringing players through their youth ranks, which has seen the likes of Danny Murphy, Ashley Westwood, David Platt, Neil Lennon and Robbie Savage among countless others reach the very top of the domestic game.