Wrexham are preparing to jet off on their latest adventure around the globe.
Following tours to North America in the previous two seasons, Phil Parkinson’s side are off to Australia for three matches in the run up to the Championship campaign.
Parkinson refused Ryan Reynolds’ idea of playing a fourth match in Auckland as he wanted his players to be back in Wales in plenty of time before their season opener against Southampton.
New faces Ryan Hardie and Danny Ward are expected to be part of the travelling squad and some of Wrexham’s academy products could also get the chance to shine upon the tour.
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Parkinson will be keen for his players to get minutes under their belt and blow out any cobwebs from the summer.
The likes of James McClean and Ryan Barnett have impressed during the club’s fitness testing upon return to training and will now hope to carry that through to the pitch.
Wrexham face Melbourne Victory in their opening game of the tour on Friday July 11, before heading to Sydney just four days later.
The final game of the trip sees the Red Dragons travel to New Zealand to face Wellington Phoenix on July 19. Wrexham Insider looks at three academy stars deserving of an opportunity during these matches.
| Opponent | Date | Kick off time (GMT) |
| Melbourne Victory | 11 July | 10:30 am |
| Sydney FC | 15 July | 10:30 am |
| Wellington Phoenix | 19 July | 8:00 am |
Harry Ashfield
Arguably the closest academy product to the first-team squad, Harry Ashfield will be hoping that he gets the chance to stake his claim for a role next season.
Ashfield signed a new contract back in March after impressing during the EFL Trophy run to the semi-final where he scored his first goal for the club in a 4-1 win over Port Vale.
Wrexham fans were impressed by Ashfield last season and the youngster showcased his talents in a number of positions having started at centre forward and in midfield.
Ashfield could be loaned out this summer in order to gain first-team experience but Parkinson would be wise to have a proper look at what the 19-year-old can do down under.
Aaron James
Aaron James spent some time on loan at Warrington last season and gained valuable experience of the demands of first-team football.
Max Cleworth has praised James and tipped the 20-year-old as one to watch this season in terms of trying to make an impact on Parkinson’s squad.
Parkinson is a big fan of James and has already given him opportunities in the EFL Trophy alongside the likes of Ashfield.
James will now be hoping for further chances to show what he can do in pre-season and with his versatility across the back line, solid performances will do no harm for his chances of progression this season.
| Aaron James stats last season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| James | 20 | 2 | 1 |
Tom Kelly
Tom Kelly is one of the brightest prospects to come through the Wrexham academy and has already had interest from a number of Championship clubs.
The left sided defender made his name during the FA Youth Cup victory last season as he scored a last minute winner in extra time against Morecambe at the Racecourse Ground.
Kelly’s rise was well documented on the latest series of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ and the 18-year-old could now be part of the first-team squad travelling to the Southern Hemisphere.
It would give him a chance to integrate with the first-team squad and show that he is one to watch for this season.