Wrexham A.F.C. has announced that five U19 players will remain with the club for the 2025/26 season. The retained players are last season's U19 captain Izzy Barnett, goalkeeper Sophie Nash, forward Bella Riley, midfielder Tillie Ashworth, and 15-year-old Ana Jones.
Retained Players
Izzy Barnett, who captained the U19 side last season, was named U19 Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season. She made her senior debut this past season in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup against NFA. Goalkeeper Sophie Nash impressed throughout the campaign and was named on the bench for several senior team matches. Bella Riley was instrumental in the club’s first-ever Genero Adran U19 national title, scoring decisive goals against Barry Town United and Pontypridd United. Midfielder Tillie Ashworth, who joined from Llandudno, has progressed rapidly and also represented Wrexham at the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament alongside Barnett, Nash and Riley. 15-year-old Ana Jones began her journey with Wrexham in the FAW Girls Academy at the start of the 2025/26 season, scored six league goals, and made her senior debut against Briton Ferry in the Genero Adran Trophy.
Highlights of the Season
The U19 squad’s achievements were highlighted by a national title and a string of individual accolades. Barnett’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess earned her the Player of the Season award. Riley’s clutch performances against top opposition secured the championship, while Nash’s consistent shot-keeping kept the team competitive. Ashworth’s development was evident in her performances in both domestic and international sevens competitions. Jones’ rapid rise, scoring six league goals as a 15-year-old, underscored the depth of talent within the academy.
Future Plans
Wrexham A.F.C. expressed gratitude to all U19 players and staff for their hard work over the past years. The club will continue to support those who will not be continuing their careers at The Rock. For more information on released players, the club encourages interested parties to contact girlsacademi@wrexhamafc.co.uk.
The retained players will now focus on further development within the club’s structure, with the aim of integrating more fully into the senior squad over the coming seasons.
