Stevenage have signed scholar Ryan Johnson on a professional contract a year early, something the Club has never done.
Ryan made Stevenage history in May when he started in a Football League game last season against Brentford at the age of just 17 years and 215 days, with manager Graham Westley believing that the youngster has a bright future.
The former West Brom defender joins Rohdell Gordon and Fejri Okenabirhie on new professional contracts this season.
Chairman Phil Wallace said, "Darren Sarll and Leon Hunter worked hard to get Ryan to join us last summer and their persistence paid off with this promotion to the first team squad a year early. If he works hard and learns his trade Ryan could go a long way in the game.
"It’s not easy to give youngsters first team experience but our investment in youth is starting to pay off and they are earning the right to a place. We have to make sure we have the right blend of youth and experience to allow these lads to develop but it looks promising for the future."