North Wales Crusaders have agreed a new deal with Andy Ball ahead of the 2021 campaign.
Ball joined Crusaders from Leigh East in the early part of the 2020 season, having played for the amateur club since he was eight-years-old.
After preparing for his debut at professional level, he was unable to feature for North Wales because the COVID-19 pandemic brought the campaign to a close.
But Ball will be hoping to make an impact in League 1 next season following his new deal.
He said: “I’m itching to get a game as I’ve not played in over a year.
“I’m expecting League 1 to be a lot faster and tougher than amateur, but I’ll hopefully have a good pre-season behind me and be up to speed.
“I’ve been doing all the virtual sessions with the lads and I feel a lot fitter than I have been over the last couple of seasons.
“Some of the sessions have been killers and there’s no doubt fitness is key at this level. Our fitness will stand us in good stead once the season starts.
“Everyone’s going to be in the same boat with the COVID-19 pandemic and I can’t wait to get going.
“We started the 2020 season well before it was cut short and the play-offs have to be our aim in 2021.”
Crusaders head coach Anthony Murray added: “Andy unfortunately wasn’t able to make his debut because of the pandemic, but we’re pleased to have him on board again in 2021.
“We’ve got a track record of giving lads from the amateur game an opportunity and helping them progress.
“Andy has impressed in the amateur ranks over a number of years and he’ll hopefully make his mark in League 1 next season.”
