Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce young defender Kayden Hughes has signed his first professional contract after joining almost seven years ago.
The 17-year-old has progressed through the Academy since joining at the Under-12s level after he was signed from local grassroots team Bispham Juniors Football Federation (BJFF), a team for which he is now an ambassador for.
Hughes, who was our current Head of Recruitment Scott Macneill's first-ever signing for the club, was announced the Under-18s captain back in August of this year and has since gone on to feature regularly as well as playing numerous times for the Under-21s in their Professional Development League campaign, taking every step in his stride at this young age.
Kayden signs an 18-month professional contract, which will lead to the summer of 2025, with a one-year option in the club's favour and is recognition of the hard work the defender has put in on and off the pitch over the last few years.
Jack Higgins, our Academy Manager, said on the news: "We are really proud to see Kayden sign his first professional contract in front of his supportive, dedicated and loving family.
“Kayden has been with us for a long time now and it's always great to see a local player progress to professional-level status.
“He has had a great start to the season, and with being announced as the captain for the Under-18s, he sets examples and standards on and off the pitch and the best thing about Kayden is the consistency to his personality and the character that he brings to the group.
"He’s had to develop this, which is every credit to him, his support network, and the staff at Fleetwood Town for honing these desirable attributes during some tough moments with us over the years.
"He’s a dedicated lad who is developing a fantastic skill set that will surely carry him far in life. From all at the Academy and Fleetwood Town, we wish him all the best and are looking forward to supporting the next step of his journey.”
Congratulations on the professional contract, Kayden!