The 21-year-old, who came through the ranks at Harrogate Town and represented England Schoolboys at under-18 level, joins the Pewits after impressing in men’s football with Ilkley Town and attracting interest from several clubs higher up the pyramid.

Emley AFC’s latest signing, Alfie, has opened up about his football journey, his decision to join the Pewits, and his ambitions for the season ahead.

At just 21, Alfie Dean has already built up an impressive footballing resume: "I’ve played Sunday League football all throughout my youth," he explains. "I started playing ever since I can remember really. Through my teen years, I played for Harrogate Town, which was a big step for me, and then I represented England Schoolboys at under-18 level. That was a huge honour and an experience I’ll never forget."

His first taste of men’s football came with Ilkley Town, where Alfie developed a reputation for creativity and goalscoring.

He said: "My first men’s football club was Ilkley Town, and I’ve had a good few years there with good returns," he says. "I just felt like it was time to make the step up. I wanted to test myself at a higher level, so fingers crossed things work out well at Emley."

Like many young players, Alfie found the jump into men’s football a valuable learning curve: "I think the transition into men’s football is where I’ve learned the most," he reflects. "It’s about dealing with the more physical, grittier side of the game. It toughens you up. It’s very different from youth football, but I’ve really enjoyed adapting to it."

So, what convinced Alfie that Emley was the right move for his career?

He said: "As soon as I spoke to Rich (Tracey, manager) and met a few of the lads, they made me feel welcome straight away. They like to play the way I want to play, good football, on the floor, technical. Everyone I’ve spoken to about the club has always spoken highly of it. So as soon as Rich got in touch, it was a no-brainer for me."

He also gives credit to a familiar name in Emley circles for helping bring him to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground: "I don’t know any of the current lads personally yet, but James Knowles, who used to captain here, was actually the one who put me in contact with Rich," Alfie explains. "He spoke really highly of the club and thought I’d suit them well. That gave me a lot of confidence in making the move."

A creative midfielder with an eye for goal, Alfie knows exactly what he brings to the team: "Ideally, I’m an attacking midfielder," he says. "I don’t mind playing off the left either, but I just want to get on the ball, create, score goals and get assists, just make things happen really."

His numbers last season speak for themselves: "I got 23 goals and 17 assists last season," he reveals. "With the jump up in standard, if I can get into double figures for both goals and assists, I’d be delighted for my first season at this level."

Competition for places at Emley is fierce, but Alfie sees that as a positive challenge: "It’ll be tough to get in the side because there are a lot of good, experienced players," he admits. "But that’s good, I can learn from them and hopefully make an impact where I can."

And he isn’t shy about stating what he wants to achieve this season: "From what I’ve seen, promotion has to be the goal, and there’s no reason why we can’t achieve that," Alfie says with determination. "Hopefully I can chip in with a few goals and assists along the way to help us get there. It’s a tight-knit group with a lot of good, experienced players, so I see no reason why we can’t go one better than last year.”

Alfie hasn’t yet played at Emley’s home ground, but he’s eager to experience it for the first time: "I’ve actually never played at the ground before, so that’ll be a great experience," he says. "I just can’t wait to get out there at home, on a good surface in front of the fans. I’d like to think the way I play is exciting to watch, so hopefully it’ll be a good relationship with the supporters.”

He also sees his time at Emley as a key step in his long-term career: "Being young, I want to improve and push up the leagues, and I know the club does too. So I definitely see this as a long-term next step for me," he adds.

As the new season edges closer, Alfie’s excitement is clear: "I’m buzzing, I can’t wait to get going," he says. "The staff and the lads have made me feel really welcome, so I just want to get started with the season. Hopefully, I can help the team push on and achieve something special.”

Welcome to Emley, Alfie!

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