Hartlepool United have signed duo Jordan Mellish and Jordan Richards on professional deals.
The pair who have both come through the club’s Apprenticeship programme will join up with Pools’ first team squad for pre-season training later this month.
Centre-half Mellish, 18, was a regular at the heart of the youth team defence last season.
Attacking midfielder Richards captained the youth team last term while also making 16 appearances for club’s second string.
With two of the last season’s first year Apprentices (Darren Holden and Josh Rowbotham) making first-team debut’s in April, Mellish believes that Manager Mick Wadsworth is willing to give youth a chance.
“It is just the best feeling to know you are a professional footballer at a Club like this,” said Mellish speaking to the club’s website.
“I’ve been with the Club since I was 14 and I’ve always dreamed of one day walking out in front of a crowd with the First Team and this is a step closer to that.”
“It definitely gave you a bit of a boost just knowing that the young players were going out there and getting their chance”, he added.
Youth Development Manager, John Hewitson has also been pleased to see the pair sign and believes that it is valuable recognition for the work conducted within the club’s youth department.
“It is reward for the hard work of the players and all of the staff in the centre of excellence,” said Lewiston.
“It is good for the players to know that there is progression within the club.”
“Players can come through the system and get into the youth team and these lads can be used as role models for the first team.”
