Swansea City Under-16s scholars

4th May

Eleven Swansea City Academy players have been handed apprenticeships with the club and will join the Under-18s ranks next season.
Cameron Barry, Matt Blake, Joe Lewis, Tom Price and Alex Lang have been with the Swans since the age of eight and will join Ben Cabango, Brandon Cooper, Oliver Cooper, Jack Fox, Finlay Hazel, Rhydian Williams as scholars from July.
And U16s coach Anthony Wright, who has worked closely with the 11 youngsters this season, believes the talented crop have a bright future.
"We are excited about this group of players," he said. "Each have progressed really well since being part of the category one programme this season.
"Six of the crop have already taken the step up to play for the U18s at various points this season while Ben Cabango, Finlay Hazel, Matt Blake, Joe Lewis and Tom Price all featured for the U19s in South Africa this March."



Six of the 11 are local Swansea players with the remaining youngsters originally from the Bridgend and Cardiff areas.
Each have helped the U16s squad to a successful first season in the category one games programme which mirrors the same schedule the U18s play every Saturday.
"The team have developed throughout the season and adapted to being part of the new category level," added Wright.
"Our progression was highlighted this season following heavy defeats against Reading and Arsenal. We turned our form around to take convincing wins against both sides in the return fixture a few months later.
"The future looks bright with the young talent we have coming through the system at the club."