Callum Jones | Hard work has paid off for pro contract
After injury set-backs, Life-long Swans fan Callum Jones believes his hard work has paid off as he signs professional terms at Swansea City.
Jones has put pen to paper on terms through to the end of June 2028, having been at the club since under-nine level.
"It feels great to have been offered this contract, it feels like the hard work has paid off over the years and I'm excited to properly get into under-21s' football," said Jones.
"It's a special moment for me and my family, me and my mates are all huge Swans fans, we go home and away to watch the club and to get a professional contract here is incredible.
"I hope one day they'll all see me make my first team debut and be proud."
Jones acknowledged there were many set-backs during his first year of his scholarship. Having missed a lot of the first year since transitioning into full-time football.
But determination and hard work has paid off as he looks toward a strong pre-season.
"There's been plenty ups and downs throughout my time playing mainly with injuries, but I've had a good year under my belt with some great moments that have led up to this," he added.
"The first year of my scholarship was tough, I was hit with an injury most of the year. I had a hip injury, which was growth related and is common in quite a lot of academy players.
"That injury is behind me know, although I have a knock going into pre-season, but I'm aiming to be back and ready one or two months in to the season.
"I'm so grateful for the coaches and especially the physios as they've all pushed me so hard, and have gotten me to where I am."
However, in the last 12 months the 18-year-old has had many bright moments in a Swans shirt.
Jones netted that famous 10-minute hat-trick in the Under-17 Professional Development League Cup semi-final against Cheltenham Town in March 2025, and most recently, he scored the opening goal in yet another famous victory, this time in the FA Youth Cup against Leeds United, helping the young Swans reach the fifth round for the first time in over 15 years.
"Those moments are so special to me, and they helped the team get to further stages in both competitions which I'm so proud of," he said.
"We worked so hard for those games, and especially with Leeds, they were one of the toughest sides we've faced in a long time but we stuck together and we got that win.
"I hope more of those moments are to come in the next two years, especially in the likes of the Premier League Cup."
"I'm looking forward to the new challenge, different intensities week in, week out and new opportunities.
"I can't wait to develop my game more day by day and hopefully, I get rewarded with more time within the first team environment and beyond."