Blacon teenager Aaron Hassall hailed his 30-minute Europa League as ‘the best thing I’ve ever experienced’.
Sixteen-year-old Hassall, a sixth form student at Queen’s Park High School, in Handbridge, came on as a substitute for Airbus UK Broughton last week as they fell to a 2-1 first qualifying round second leg defeat to Norwegian side FK Haugesund.
Despite being on the losing side in his first taste of European football, the talented striker – rated highly by Wingmakers boss Andy Preece – said the experience in Norway is one that will live with him forever.
“It was just unreal – the best thing I’ve ever experienced in my life,” said Hassall, who was given a run in the Airbus first team at the end of the Welsh Premier League campaign last season, where he netted once.
“Their fans were amazing. They were cheering so loud and were booing us like mad, which was great.
“I never thought last season that, at my age, I would be playing European football this season. It’s just totally surreal and the trip to Norway has just made me want to succeed even more this season.
“The set-up in Norway was fantastic. The hotel was great, their ground was great and the atmosphere was amazing. I’ll never forget it. It was such an unbelievable experience for me.”
Hassall signed senior terms with Airbus back in February having impressed Preece with his performances for the academy side.
He has since gone on to represent Wales under-17s and has been named as part of the first-team squad for this coming season, as the club look to build on last season’s runner-up finish in the Welsh Premier League.
Hassall, who is studying sport, business, media and photography, credited Preece with his rapid rise, with the teenager aiming to repay the manager’s faith in him by playing his part next season.
“Being part of the first team has come a lot quicker than I expected and it’s been a bit of a surprise if I’m honest,” he said.
“But the gaffer has shown a lot of faith in me and believes in me. That gives me the confidence to go out there and show what I can do.
“The gaffer has been brilliant with me and I’ve learned a lot from him and Jocky (assistant manager Andy Morrison) as they have both played at the highest level.
“I just want to keep on improving and keep on getting games under my belt. With the calibre of players in the squad, I think that we can have another great season, hopefully get European qualification again and maybe knock TNS off the top spot for once.
“I love playing for Airbus and really enjoy my football here. If a full-time club came in for me then, who knows, but I’m more than happy to be here and moments like in Norway are something that I want to experience again.”
