Academy Swans sign pro deals

​​​​​​​Five academy products have signed first professional contracts with Swansea City ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Defenders Matthew Blake and Joe Lewis plus midfielders Tom Price, Cameron Berry and Oliver Cooper have all penned one-year deals.

The quintet of academy teenagers follow Ben Cabango – who has since joined Welsh Premier side TNS on loan – by agreeing fresh terms.

“I am delighted to sign my first pro deal,” Blake said. “Swansea are a team I have grown up with and I can’t wait for the new season.”

The 18-year-old left-back has been with the academy for 10 years and featured eight times for the under-23s last season. He also helped an under-19 side retain the FAW Youth Cup.

“The club has grown massively since when I joined aged eight and I am proud to still be representing my local side,” he added.

“It was great to play with the under-23s last season. It gave me a taste of what was to come this year and gives me huge confidence coming into this season.”

Injury problems limited Berry to only three appearances for the under-18s last season.

But despite a season of fitness setbacks, the central midfielder has been given the chance to continue his progress with the development squad.

“I am chuffed,” Berry said. “It is probably one of the proudest moments of my life.

“Last season was one of the worst I have suffered with injury. I was probably out for about 85 per cent of the season which was tough, but it helped me build my character up.

“I must put that behind me this season and prove myself as a player and person.

“Signing a professional deal for the Swans is a very proud moment being a local boy. I have always wanted to play for my local team. Now I feel a step closer to doing that.”