ASHLEY HAS A TASTE OF ASIA
PRE-SEASON won’t be the same for Northern Premier League veteran Ashley Young this year – he’s leaving NonLeague football behind to teach in China.
The former Ashton United and Buxton midfielder – who split last season between FC United and Hyde United – is due to fly out as his former teammates are set to return in August.
Young is relocating for a job as a PE teacher at the Harrow Innovation Learning Academy in Zhuhai – a Chinese campus for the prestigious private school.
Learning a new language and settling into a new culture on your own can be difficult at any time, without the added worry of the global Covid-19 pandemic – but Young is optimistic.
“It’s an amazing opportunity – I have no ties at home and I think Asia is a cool place. Of course, it’s daunting – but I’m looking forward to it.
“I’m learning Mandarin – it’s very difficult using symbols instead of letters but I’m improving. I can say my name and ask where things are. The school is mixed language so that helps.
Surprise twist
“People can’t really believe I’m moving to China, especially with Covid-19 starting there, but to be honest, they look to have it under better control than we do at the moment,” he said.
Young has been teaching for three years, and moves to China for an initial two-year contract, with the option to extend if both he and the school are happy. Trips to Cambodia and the Philippines are also on the cards at half-terms, as Young looks to expand his horizons, having already visited Thailand – with a return visit also an option.
He isn’t quite ready to step away from football just yet though – and has his eyes set on a surprise twist at the latter stage of his career. Zhuhai is in south east China close to the border with Macau – and Young wants to take advantage of this proximity.
“I’ve been looking into it and as Macau is a separate entity, they get entry to the Asian Champion’s League qualifiers – it’s difficult to make contact with clubs at this end, but if there is a chance to play for one of these clubs, I will take it.
“Football has been a big part of my life and still is – what a thing to be able to put on your CV if you are involved with continental football,” he said.
Young also played in the Welsh Premier League – for Rhyl, Bangor City and Aberystwyth – and has praise for the professional way in which the league is run.
Opportunity
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I moved into Welsh football, having mainly played in the NPL – people had mixed reactions too but I enjoyed my time there. The clubs are really well run, and the main attraction is the potential to get in the Europa League spots. We nearly made it at Aberystwyth via the Welsh Cup but lost the final to Connah’s Quay.
“It’s run as a top tier league and you can see that,” he said.
As he prepares to move – Chinese borders being open permitting – Young took the opportunity to look back on his career and also to the future.
“My best moment in football is playing for Ashton when we beat FC United in the NPL playoff semi-finals – equalising in the 90th-minute and scoring a winner in the 120th – it was an amazing moment.
“Even though we lost the final to AFC Fylde, winning at Gigg Lane against FCUM in front of thousands is something I will never forget.
“I’m at an age now where I am looking ahead. I’ve got my UEFA B licence and I’m trained as a sports scientist. I still keep in contact with a lot of old managers and players. I love non-league – if and when I come home, I still want to be involved, whether it’s playing or coaching.”