THE JOSH OLLERENSHAW STORY
FROM THE FIRST SAVE
TO THE NEXT GENERATION
PLAYING CAREER - THE START
EVERY CAREER STARTS SOMEWHERE.
Josh Ollerenshaw began his goalkeeping journey at the age of eight. His first season was a challenging introduction to the position, with his team regularly suffering heavy defeats.
Rather than being discouraged, Josh embraced the challenge, gaining valuable experience in demanding matches and developing the resilience that would shape his future career.
His determination and enthusiasm earned him trials with Manchester City and Oldham Athletic, before joining Oldham at the age of 14. He progressed through the club's youth system, earning a youth team contract before going on to secure professional contracts.
THE PROFESSIONAL GAME
EXPERIENCE, EARNED THE HARD WAY.
Over the past 20 years, Josh has built extensive experience across professional and semi-professional football. He began his senior career in League One with Oldham Athletic, where his goalkeeping development was influenced by experienced coaches, including former Premier League goalkeeper and Welsh international Mark Crossley.
At the age of 20, Josh moved into non-league football, representing Altrincham, Curzon Ashton and Colwyn Bay before earning a return to the Football League with League Two side Fleetwood Town. During his time at Fleetwood, Josh was part of the promotion-winning squad that secured promotion at Wembley Stadium following victory over Burton Albion in the League Two Play-Off Final.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
THE THREE LIONS ON HIS CHEST.
Following Fleetwood's promotion, Josh returned to Colwyn Bay and continued his development in the non-league game. His performances subsequently earned him international recognition, making his England C debut against Estonia in the European qualifiers.
Josh helped England secure an impressive 5-1 victory, earning his first international cap.
After several further spells across the non-league circuit, Josh made the decision to pursue a career in the British Army as an infantry soldier.
BEYOND FOOTBALL
SEVEN YEARS OF SERVICE.
His seven years of military service strengthened his discipline, resilience, leadership and winning mentality, qualities that continued to benefit him throughout his football career.
Alongside his military commitments, Josh continued playing football, representing the Infantry, Army and Tri-Forces football teams while maintaining his semi-professional career.
Following seven years of service, Josh left the Army to begin a new career in policing. He remains an active semi-professional footballer with Curzon Ashton, where he has made more than 120 appearances for the club.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
PASSING ON THE STANDARD.
Josh's coaching career began at the age of 18 while he was still playing for Oldham Athletic. Recognising his potential, the club invited him to assist with its Goalkeeping Centre of Excellence.
Josh quickly established himself in the role and, at the age of 21, became Head of Goalkeeping for the Centre of Excellence and the club's youth team goalkeepers.
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION
Over the following years, he played an important role in developing young goalkeepers, helping them progress towards youth team football and professional contracts at Oldham Athletic. His work also contributed to the development of goalkeepers who attracted interest from, and were signed by, Premier League clubs.
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FIRST-TEAM EXPERIENCE
LEARNING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL.
Josh gained further experience assisting with first-team goalkeeping coaching at Oldham Athletic during their time in League One. This provided valuable exposure to the demands of professional football and the standards required to perform at the highest level.
During this period, he worked within an environment involving goalkeepers such as Sam Johnstone, Joel Coleman, Alex Cisak, Paddy Kenny and Tomasz Kuszczak.
