Wrexham Academy Prospect Sammy Chesworth Earns Phil Parkinson Praise After Impressive Performances

Wrexham AFC youngster Sammy Chesworth has earned praise from first-team manager Phil Parkinson after an impressive run of form for the club’s Under-21 side.

The academy prospect scored twice in Wrexham U21s’ victory over Preston North End, earning him a chance to experience the senior matchday environment. Chesworth was subsequently included among the substitutes for Wrexham’s 1-1 Championship draw against Derby County on 10 October, representing another important step in his development.

Although he remained on the bench, Parkinson believes the experience will benefit the youngster as he continues progressing through the club’s academy system.

Speaking ahead of Wrexham’s Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion, Parkinson discussed the progress of the club’s younger players. The manager confirmed he watched the Under-21s’ victory over Preston and was particularly impressed by Chesworth’s contribution.

“The young lads are doing well, and they won again at the weekend. We watched the Under-21s beat Preston, and Sammy scored twice,” Parkinson explained.

The Wrexham manager added that the youngster’s impact had been particularly encouraging, given the club's already recognised potential. Chesworth’s goals demonstrated his ability to influence matches at academy level, while his subsequent involvement with the first-team squad provided further evidence of his progress.

Parkinson explained that injuries in the senior squad created opportunities for several academy players to join first-team preparations. The manager believes exposure to the senior environment is valuable, even when young players do not make an appearance.

Chesworth’s inclusion against Derby gave him the chance to experience Championship football from the substitutes’ bench and see the preparation required at the senior level.

Parkinson also confirmed that the club monitors academy performances regularly, with communication between the first-team coaching staff and academy personnel helping identify players ready for more opportunities.

The approach provides younger players with a clear incentive to perform consistently in training and competitive fixtures. Wrexham’s continued development as a Championship club has increased the demands on players trying to progress from the academy to the senior squad.

The standard of opposition and competition for first-team places mean players must earn opportunities through consistent performances. However, Chesworth’s recent involvement demonstrates that Parkinson remains willing to consider younger players when circumstances allow. His two-goal performance against Preston showed how academy players can attract the attention of the senior coaching staff.

Wrexham return to Championship action against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, with Parkinson continuing to assess his squad ahead of the trip to Ewood Park.

Sammy Chesworth will hope to be included once again within the matchday squad, but manager Phil Parkinson has right to confirm if the youngster will be.