Arlen Birch

Arlen Birch
Personal information
Full name Arlen Tom Birch
Date of birth (1996-09-21) 21 September 1996 (age 28)
Place of birth Wales
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
0000–2015 Everton
2015–2018 Burnley
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2018–2019 AFC Fylde 26 (1)
2019–2020 AFC Telford United 19 (0)
2020–2021 Chorley 18 (0)
2021 AFC Telford United 10 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Arlen Tom Birch (born 21 September 1996) is a former footballer who played as a defender. Born in Wales, he was an England youth international.

Early life

Birch was born in 1996 in Wales. He attended Lakelands Academy in England.[1]

Youth career

As a youth player, Birch joined the youth academy of English Premier League side Everton. He helped the club win the league.[2]

Senior club career

Birch started his career with English side AFC Fylde. He helped the club win the 2019 FA Trophy.[3] In 2019, he signed for English side AFC Telford United. In 2020, he signed for English side Chorley. He was described as a "key player in Chorley's brilliant FA Cup run".[4] In 2021, he signed for English side AFC Telford United.

International career

Birch represented England internationally at youth level. He was first called up to the England national under-16 football team for a match against Spain.[5]

Style of play

Birch mainly operates as a defender. He has operated as a left-back and right-back.[6]

Personal life

Birch is the son of Alison Birch.[7]

References

  1. ^ "Local lads far from blue at Everton FC". bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk.
  2. ^ "Burnley's former Everton defender given chance to impress Cheltenham Town". gloucestershirelive.co.uk.
  3. ^ "Arlen Birch: Gavin Cowan's ambition got me to sign for AFC Telford". shropshirestar.com.
  4. ^ "Chorley are aiming for another FA Cup upset". leaderlive.co.uk.
  5. ^ "Blue Boys: England U-16 call-ups for academy duo George Green and Arlen Birch". liverpoolecho.co.uk.
  6. ^ "Arlen Birch to kick on at AFC Telford after deal 'relief'". shropshirestar.com.
  7. ^ "Birch: 'I was thinking, "Don't put the ball in my channel". You can't carry on like that – retiring at 25 is horrible'". theathletic.com.