Find out more about Huddersfield Town up and coming youngsters
- Latest #YoungTerriers in focus series
- Town shines the spotlight on the Club’s Academy talent
- Today we look at Under-19s midfielder Josh Austerfield
With the coronavirus putting paid to Town’s fixture list until 30 April at the least, we’ve decided to throw the spotlight on some of the up and coming Young Terriers in the Academy!
Today we take a closer look at Under-19 midfielder Josh Austerfield, who is another of the Young Terriers to appear on the bench for the First Team in the Sky Bet Championship earlier in the season.
Central midfielder Josh has benefited from Town’s bespoke games programme as much as any young player within the Academy, making remarkable strides over the last 18 months.
However, his journey at the Club started way back as an Under-8 player, when he joined from local junior side Drighlington.
The Morley-based youngster made his way through the age groups before first breaking into the old Under-18 team as a 16-year old in the 2017/18 campaign, scoring once in nine starts and a further four substitute appearances.
When Town’s Academy switched to Under-19 and Under-17 groups for the first year of Josh’s scholarship, he was a stalwart for the new U17 side. He scored once in 31 appearances for the side managed by Dean Whitehead, with another 20 appearances coming for the Under-19s as he really pushed on.
His 2019/20 campaign started with a big moment for Josh and his family, as he signed his first professional contract with the Club in August. That will run for two seasons, with the Club having the option of a further year’s extension.
Josh has been a virtual ever-present for the Elite Development Team and Under-19s this season, scoring once in 33 appearances. He’s also played for the Under-17s to set an example for his younger colleagues, scoring twice in seven starts.
The 18-year-old has also been involved with the First Team. He was part of the squad that Danny Cowley took to Dubai for a week-long training camp in November 2019, after which he was named among the substitutes for two Sky Bet Championship games; at home to Leeds United and in the win at Charlton Athletic in December.
Josh is showing aptitude at playing in all the roles required from a modern midfielder, whether as a holding six or a more advanced eight. If he continues to progress at the rate he has recently, the future is bright!
Have a look at our other profiles of the #YoungTerriers:
You can keep a close eye on the youngsters' development on Twitter via @htafcacademy.
