Caio Ifans ready to embrace new challenge after signing pro contract

Caio Ifans is looking forward to embracing the next challenge in his Swansea City career having signed professional terms at the club.

The 18-year-old has signed terms until June 2027 following the completion of his scholarship, having been at the club since under-eight level.

A lifelong Swans fan, Ifans has progressed through the academy ranks since the age of seven, and the youngster admitted there were plenty of nerves before learning his future had been secured; but they quickly turned to excitement.

"I'm so happy, I was nervous at first going into that initial meeting, but I walked out with a professional contract!", said Ifans.

"I'm grateful to have another year, and hopefully now I can have a highly successful season ahead of me.

"It means everything to sign a professional contract. Myself and Callum Jones (who has also just signed professional terms) go to games with each other as fans.

"For me, it will be so special to hopefully be on that pitch one day after watching in the stands my entire life."

Having grown up in a sporting family, football wasn't the only game that captured Ifans' attention during his childhood. Rugby also played a key role in his early years with his father, Garan Evans, having played for the Scarlets and represented Wales on the world stage.

But since joining the academy, he has progressed through the ranks while keeping his sights firmly set on the ambition of representing Swansea City at senior level.

"It means a lot to me and to my family that I've made it this far from being in the academy at such a young age," added Ifans.

"I also played rugby growing up so I always loved sport, and I've come from a sporting family. But I started taking football more seriously when I was getting closer to scholarship age.

"I've more than enjoyed my time here, and the dream has always been to play for the first team, and this is a step in the right direction."

The young defender has enjoyed several standout moments during his development, such as playing in Professional Development League Cup finals in consecutive seasons, but admits he has been frustrated by injuries over the past two campaigns.

Despite those setbacks, he praised the academy support network around him for helping him return to action and he is now looking forward to a new season ahead.

"The past two years have been full of ups and downs. I've had a few injuries, but the medical team, the players and the wider academy staff help you get back quicker than ever," said Ifans.

"Two years ago, I made my under-21s' debut as a 16-year-old at the stadium and it was incredible. Now, I've been involved with the older boys quite a lot and I'm looking forward to a full season with them.

"I can't wait for the challenge, I know I've only got a one-year contract so all I'm going to do this season is fight and work very hard."