Several young Reds have signed professional contracts with the Club, joining the U21 setup at Oakwell.
Matty Doyle, Mylan Benjamin, Jean Claude Makiessi, Charlie Hickingbottom, Theo Chapman, Hayden Pickard and Josiah Dyer - all members of our title-winning U18s side - have agreed terms with the Reds and will step up to our U21s side next campaign.
Bobby Hassell, Academy Manager, commented on the news: "The new intake of first-year professionals stands as a testament to the players' dedication throughout last season.
"In recognition of their efforts and success, the Club has rewarded them with their first professional contracts. The responsibility now lies with these players to grasp this opportunity and attempt to establish themselves within the first team environment. This year is an important season for them, and we will aim to facilitate their development by considering loan opportunities to gain valuable first team experience.
"Nevertheless, as a staff, we firmly believe that certain individuals possess the necessary talent and physical attributes to potentially feature in our first team at some point this season."
Our U21s have already obtained vital experience this summer, featuring heavily in our pre-season fixtures ahead of the Professional Development League start in August.
Information regarding academy fixtures for the forthcoming campaign will be communicated in due course.
