Genero Adran North side Wrexham Foresters have completed the signing of goalkeeper Chloe Ankers, who joins the newly promoted tier two side in a player/coach capacity.
The 19-year-old put her playing career on pause in April to focus on her coaching, something which will be included in her new chapter at the Foresters. She has already had experience with the Wrexham AFC Foundation in a coaching capacity, another key factor in her positive affiliation with The Red Dragons.
However, the move to Kirstie Kural’s side will see Ankers return to playing too. A highly-rated goalkeeper, notably for her height and shot-stopping ability, Ankers was a regular in Wrexham’s success in the Genero Adran U19s Leagues in previous seasons, and also made her senior debut for the club at just 16.
Ankers played the full 90 minutes against Cardiff Met in the Genero Adran Premier in November 2023, as Wrexham won 3-0 away at Cyncoed Stadium. The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet and earned a spot in the Genero Adran Leagues Team of the Week after her impressive performance.
A three-year spell at Wrexham would see Ankers make three senior appearances in total in all competitions, but more than played her part at the football club. She now begins a new chapter, at Wrexham but this time – The Foresters.
On joining the Genero Adran North side, Ankers said: “I’m grateful to be given this opportunity to play with a great group of people, meanwhile gaining more experience within the coaching environment.
“I’m excited to develop with an amazing group of girls and be part of the Wrexham Foresters upcoming journey.”
Analysis | Ankers has a lot to offer in a playing capacity whilst developing on the coaching side
Analysis by Harry Ware
When Chloe Ankers initially paused her career a few months back, it caught many by surprise. Whilst respecting the decision to pursue a career in coaching, Ankers has a lot to offer in a playing capacity, having impressed Wrexham fans in the appearances that she did make.
She’s still only 19 too. The prospect of Chloe Ankers playing a full season of senior football is exciting, as there is a lot of unrealised potential, and she may now have that opportunity at Wrexham Foresters, whilst developing on the coaching side as a player/coach.
We’re barely midway into July, and the Genero Adran North transfer window has been incredibly active. Whether it be player incomings, retainments or manager changes, every club in the North has made movements, whether that be publicly announced or behind the scenes. It sets up for an exciting season.
Foresters will look to join the party too. They originally wanted to join tier two last year, but have done so on merit, and have already beaten and competed with clubs in the Genero Adran North via the route of the Bute Energy Welsh Cup. It’s rare to see from a side who were in tier three last season.
Whilst she didn’t make too many appearances, we can say it as it is – Wrexham Foresters have signed an Adran Premier goalkeeper. Chloe Ankers will bring real quality and a commanding presence at the back for Kirstie Kural’s side.
Equally as important, Foresters have retained 15 players from their promotion winning squad. Morgan Churchill, Louise Wilson, Jade Tobin, Rebecca Foster, Molly Harper, Savannah Miller, Bella Nardo, Laura Fuller, Anna Thomas, Rebecca Sheel, Kate Tasker, Laura Evans and Keri Sampson will all continue the journey into tier two, whilst of course, player/coach’s Kirstie Kural and Laura Tobin will remain.
So often, we’ve spoken about the Genero Adran South being incredibly competitive and unpredictable. The same couldn’t really be said about the North in recent seasons in Connah’s Quay Nomads’ dominance, and to their credit, they remain the team to beat. The ambition from many sides in the opening few weeks of the summer however could change the narrative in the Genero Adran North.