Manager Phil Parkinson is eager to blood young players in the first-team setup, and Edwards joined the squad on their recent pre-season trip—starting in Poland before facing Manchester United in Finland.
Parkinson says exposure to the dressing room, hearing senior voices and learning first-team standards is hugely valuable for their development.
He added that the youngsters who have trained with the group have fitted in comfortably, praising the academy’s off-season work for preparing them to handle the intensity and carry themselves well.
With players already making strides, he noted that the current crop are aiming to follow in the footsteps of Max Cleworth, Harry Ash and Aaron James, who have all had a taste of first-team football.
Edwards called winning the Bob Clark Wrexham AFC Academy Player of the Season award a proud moment for him and his family.
He featured in 44 matches last season—captaining the side at times—as the team enjoyed the club’s best FA Youth Cup run, reaching the fifth round to play holders Aston Villa.
Reflecting on the campaign, the former Ysgol Brynhyfryd pupil from Ruthin said it was a strong year and that he felt he really kicked on after Christmas.
He also noted he wore the armband in several games, something he feels comes with experience, and praised a tight-knit group willing to work for each other.
Edwards now hopes to push on again and is excited for the next chapter of his career.
Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over in 2021, the club has invested significantly in an academy training base at Darland High School in Rossett, just north of Wrexham.
Parkinson says having high-quality facilities and coaching is essential to producing homegrown talent.
He added that the standard within the academy is improving year on year.
That progress is necessary as the club climbs the divisions, and from the outset the project offered a blank canvas to build from.
He pointed to the Darland project’s high-quality pitches, upgraded changing areas and a gym for academy players.
Those improvements, he said, make it easier to attract higher-calibre youngsters—something the club will need as it continues to move forward.