Despite a cheek of disappointment the promise of the player was soon recognised as Barnsley came in for his services at the age of 12 . In the three and a half years spent in South Yorkshire he played in a verity of positions , including his first taste of a central defensive roll . After an enjoyable glimpse of the next level the harsh realities of football set in following his release .
“ The day I was released I thought that was it . My chance was gone . What was I supposed to do now ?”
Moving forward a focus to why anyone plays football moved ahead of the setback . The love , the enjoyment , the pleasure . All these emotions led back to where it all began and another two years with Ackworth awaited .
“ As I was no longer part of an academy I needed to reevaluate by objectives . My new aim was to get paid in some capacity to play football .” This objective led to a new adventure with Pontefract Collieries under Brendon Ormsby and Paul Heckingbottom . At the tender age of 16 , game time was important and a lack of it brought the brief stint to an end as a new destination awaited , Hemsworth . The U19 ’ s was the first stop for Harry under Shaun Pugh as a striker . He was soon given a chance with the first team and progressed into a regular fixture in the squad . makeshift role . But after impressing and fighting off more recognised centre halves he cemented a starting position . Benn and assistant Hayward have and continue to play a pivotal part in Harry ’ s rise .
“ The confidence they ’ ve installed in not just me but the whole squad had been a major part of our success .
“ The style we play suits me as I ’ m encourage to play out with the ball and express myself , something other managers wouldn ’ t be as willing to do . As well as his coaches , credit also goes to his defensive partners .
“ I ’ ve learnt a lot from ( Jack ) Steers and ( Luke ) Danville playing alongside them . The main thing they helped change was my mindset from an attacking perspective to a defensive one to see the bigger picture .”
Hemsworth currently sit fourth in the NCEL Premier Division and the belief is there to sustain and even improve on the impressive start .
“ I ’ m not at all surprised by the start we ’ ve had now and I don ’ t see why we can ’ t be up there challenging all season .”
A sudden lack of defensive options meant Wayne Benn and Andy Hayward taking a gamble by thrusting Harry into a
Issue 01 @ TheBootifulGame 50