Five young Stevenage Academy players have been offered two year scholarships with the club.
Arthur Iontton, Paul Field, Harry Payne, Marcus Gouldbourne and Theo-Sackey Mensah (pictured L-R) have all excelled within the Academy system and will now join as full-time scholars when they meet up for pre-season next week.
Iontton signed a pre-scholarship at the age of 14 after impressing current First Team manager, Darren Sarll. He excelled and captained the U16 side last season and played a number of times for the U18s.
Defender Paul Field was also 14 years old when he signed his pre-scholarship, whilst Goalkeeper Harry Payne was signed up after starring during his appearances for the U18s last year.
Pacey forward Marcus Goulbourne earned his contract after leaving his mark for the U16s and U17s across the last two seasons.
Finally, Theo Sackey-Mensah came on trial at the end of last season and impressed his coaches so much that a scholarship was offered.
U18s coach Jorden Gibson believes the Academy is going from strength to strength.
“This is an exciting time for us at the Academy. We have worked tirelessly in recent years to develop our players and this is now starting to become evident with the continued quality and quantity coming through.
“For the second year in a row we have had four players offered scholarships who have graduated through our Academy. This is what we want – players graduating who have been with us from a young age.
“The second years will return for another tough season as they continue in their quest to become a professional footballer whilst the new first years will enter two very demanding years.
“I am hopeful and confident though that they will all enjoy the vigour of what it takes to become a professional. We return on the 26th June and I am looking forward to welcoming and guiding these players along with our other dedicated staff.”