Coach Parkinson is keen to introduce young players to the first‑team environment. Edwards was part of the touring group for pre‑season games in Poland and a friendly against Manchester United in Finland. “It’s beneficial for them to be in the dressing room, to listen to the senior players talk and to understand what it’s all about at first‑team level,” Parkinson said. He praised the lads who trained with the squad, noting they “looked right at home” thanks to the academy’s off‑season programme. They can handle the intensity and “look for the next Max Cleworth, Harry Ash or Aaron James.”

Edwards, who won the Bob Clark Wrexham AFC academy player of the season award, played 44 games last season, captaining a few and helping the club reach its best FA Youth Cup run, including a fifth‑round tie against Aston Villa. “It was a great season and after Christmas I felt I pushed on quite well,” he said.

Since the 2021 takeover by Reynolds and Mac, the club has invested heavily in an academy training facility at Darland High School in Rossett, north of Wrexham. Parkinson emphasised that the right facilities and coaching are vital for producing homegrown players. The standard of academy players is improving each year, and the new pitches and gym make it easier to attract higher quality talent as the club progresses.