Stevenage Football Club is delighted to announce that scholars, Luis Fernandez and Jack Smith have this week signed professional contracts with the Club...
Both players, aged 17, have impressed since being drafted into the First Team squad at the start of Pre-Season and already have league and cup minutes to their names.
Centre-back Fernandez has been with the Stevenage FC Academy since the age of 13 whilst midfielder Smith joined at the age of 15.
After a number of injuries hit the First Team squad during the early stages of this season, both players have been called upon to contribute to the team in important matches, in which they performed remarkably well.
Fernandez, who started and played 90 minutes against Southend in the EFL Cup and Bradford City in Sky Bet League Two, also came on as a sixth minute substitute away at Leyton Orient, where he helped keep a clean-sheet alongside fellow teenager, Kelland Watts. Meanwhile, Smith, who joined the First Team’s Summer Tour of Jersey and featured heavily during Pre-Season, came on as a substitute to make his EFL debut against Bradford City at The Lamex Stadium.
Academy Manager Robbie O’Keefe said, “All the staff at the Academy are thrilled with the news. Both players have made steady progress during their first 12 months as full time scholars and having worked with them over the years, their progression is of no surprise. Both boys have had different journeys to get here but we are certain their characteristics will see them thrive in the future. Enormous credit must go to both boys as it is their performances that have ultimately gained them this recognition and from an Academy point of view, we are delighted to have once again, spotted and developed talent for the First Team.”
The Club would like to congratulate both young men on reaching this important milestone in their career.
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