AFC Fylde are proud to announce that Jack Morris has signed his first professional contract at the club, becoming the third academy graduate to do so since last summer!
Bolton-born Morris, 18, made his Coasters first-team debut in the away game at Woking on the final day of last season, coming on as a second-half substitute.
Morris played a key role in helping the youth team reach the FA Youth Cup third-round after memorable victories against EFL academies, winning away at Doncaster Rovers before overcoming Accrington Stanley in front of the Mill Farm crowd.
Jack’s contract reflects the excellent career pathway and development for young players at AFC Fylde.
AFC Fylde Head Coach Chris Beech has extensive experience in developing young talent throughout his 20-years in coaching and managerial positions during his time at Rochdale, Carlisle United and now the Coasters.
Chris has overseen the development of players who have gone onto represent the England senior team, as well as play in the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship.
Beech said: “It is great news for the club that we have more talented young players joining the first-team squad.
“Having invited Jack up to train with us regularly towards the back end of the season, he soon showed his capabilities to make an impact in the training sessions. So much so that when we as a team secured our National League status both Nick (Anderton) and I agreed to provide an opportunity for Jack to make his debut away at Woking.
“With nothing guaranteed in the future and big challenges that lay ahead of any young man’s footballing career, Jack understands he will need to work extremely hard to meet our demands both on and off the pitch supporting his teammates and adding value to the team.
“It was a pleasure to meet his father and understand Jack a little more and with hard work, application, and opportunity, I’m sure Jack’s progress will continue over the 2024/25 season.”
Since the start of last season, Taelor O’Kane and Danny Ormerod have both progressed from the club’s youth system to earn professional deals.
Midfielder O’Kane penned his first contract in July 2023 and went onto make 20 appearances for the club during the 2023/24 Vanarama National League campaign.
O’Kane scored his first professional goal against Dagenham and Redbridge in September before netting in Fylde’s 2-1 win away at Southend United in the same month prior to a double to earn a point at FC Halifax Town in November.
Meanwhile, having made his debut away at Bromley aged 17, Ormerod has become an important member of Beech’s side.
After his talent with goals in both the FA Youth Cup and Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy, Ormerod’s form earned him a professional deal with the club, as he was integrated into the first-team squad, scoring seven goals in 26 appearances – against the likes of Rochdale (x2), Bromley, Solihull Moors, Maidenhead United (x2) and Chesterfield.
Jack’s progression into the first-team set-up highlights the club’s commitment to giving opportunities to its young players in one of England’s most exciting leagues.
Everyone at AFC Fylde would like to congratulate Jack for signing his first contract at Mill Farm!