Fleetwood Town can confirm the Under-18s retained list with the 2020/21 Youth Alliance season soon coming to a close.
Six young Cods have signed first professional contracts from the side that had a very promising Youth Alliance campaign. Cian Hayes, Danny Edwards, Sam Bird, Akiel Raffie, Billy Batch and Ben Thompson will now move on to Stephen Crainey’s Development Squad for next season.
Hayes, Raffie, and Thompson have all signed on until the end of the 2022/23 season, with Edwards, Bird and Batch contracted for one year.
Harry Wilson has also committed his future to the Cod Army, signing a long-term deal, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Jack Higgins, Head of Academy, said: “We are really pleased to see these players awarded professional contracts and move into the Under-23s group next season.
“All boys have had different journeys throughout their scholarships but have shown the determination, ability, and consistency to progress towards the next stage and continue the level of productivity towards first-team football at Fleetwood Town.
“We are forming a competitive Under-23s group and look forward to all players returning fit next season and as hungry as ever.”
Six apprentices will leave the club in the summer. Johnathon Borwick, Lewis Patterson, Sam Barratt, Shaun Sithole, Joe Collins, and Enoch Takpe depart the club with the best wishes of everyone there.
Higgins said on the leaving players: “Each player should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved at Fleetwood Town, they have represented us impeccably. We thank all of those players departing and wish them the best of luck in the next stage of their journey.”
The club would like to thank all departing players for their efforts during their time at the club.