Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez has fulfilled the dreams of six young hopefuls from the club’s youth team by offering them the chance to turn professional.
Kieran Howard, Jazz Richards, David Cornell, Jamie Grimes, Daniel Sheehan and Casey Thomas have all been offered one-year professional contracts after impressing with the Swans youth team.
“Slowly under the guidance of Tony Pennock, the youth department has been working very hard to help give the young players the chance of reaching the first team,” explained Roberto.
“They have displayed great standards and determination to play for Swansea City and their reward has been a professional contract.
“The next step will be to carry on developing to bridge the gap between youth football so that they can compete for a first team place.
“We want to see as much local talent in the first team as we can and so far these six have shown the right attitude and hard work to challenge for a place in the squad.”
They are expected to join fellow young pros Kerry Morgan and Scott Evans, who have been offered one-year extensions, under the expert guidance of coach Alan Curtis.
A decision on the futures of Chad Bond and James Burgin will be made once the duo return from their loan spell with Ostersunds in Sweden.
Young pros Dion Chambers and Kyle Graves have not had their contracts extended and are free to leave the club.