Swan To Seasider - Ben Joins!

Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the signing of ex-Swansea City central defender and Wales U17 international Ben Erickson for the upcoming 2022/23 JD Cymru Leagues season!

Joining the Swans at U13 level, 21-year-old Ben progressed through the youth ranks in South Wales before joining the club U18 side ahead of the 2016/17 season, at which time he earned two caps for his country in U17 European Championship Qualifiers against Portugal and Malta. 

Ben showed promise in his first season at U18 level, but ahead of the 2017/18 season, Ben suffered a torn cartilage in his hip joint eventually leading to him being diagnosed with accessory soleus syndrome – a rare condition that affects less than 12 people in the UK every year. Subsequent surgeries provided further setbacks during his recovery, restricting him to just 13 appearances over a 30 month period. 

Ben made 9 appearances in the first half of the 2018/19 season having been handed the armband for the U18s and was elevated to the U23 squad during the 2019/20 season, where he made his debut in a Premier League Cup defeat to Charlton Athletic.

Ben now takes the step into senior football in search of regular football.

Ben told us:
"This was the right move for me to get senior first team experience and challenge myself at this level. I know that Aberystwyth is a footballing town that takes pride in having been in the top flight of Welsh football for so long.

I like to think I’m fairly comfortable on the ball and that I cover ground quite well. I like to be a leader and help players out around me. I first spoke to Taff a few weeks back and he expressed an interested in getting me in - he knew I needed to play games and showed he could help me out with that.

I’m happy to be a part of the club and I can’t wait to see the fans at Park Avenue - I'm looking forward to a successful season together!"

Taff commented:
"I was impressed with Ben during this week's training session. I previously worked with Ben around 18 months ago during a spell with Cardiff Met, so I was aware of his qualities.

His style of play having come through at Swansea gives me great confidence in his ability to allow us to play attractive football this season."

Croeso, Ben!