Barnsley have secured the future of one of their bright Academy prospects after agreeing a professional contract with second-year apprentice Jordan Helliwell.
The 17-year-old, who won the club’s 2017-18 Academy Player of the Year award, has penned a three-year deal having impressed during pre-season training camps in France and Germany this summer as part of Daniel Stendel’s first team.
The talented defender made his senior debut last November in a Checkatrade Trophy victory over Bradford City, while he then appeared in friendly matches against Stalybridge Celtic, SC Toulon and DSC Arminia Bielefeld in July.
“Obviously I’m absolutely delighted because it’s my dream to be a professional footballer,” Helliwell told the club website. “I wasn’t expecting to be on the pre-season tour and some of the other younger lads were there as well to make it a good experience for me.
“The first team coaches obviously think that I’m doing something right, so it’s up to me to prove that I can reach that standard. I think that the Gaffer has confidence in my ability, so it’s a really good feeling.
“It’s a three-year deal, so I’m looking to push towards the first team and see where it leads me. I have had a little setback with injury, but I’m back training with the Under-23s every day and trying to get back to fitness as soon as I can.
“I want to try and secure my starting spot in the Under-23s and, if I get a chance with the first-team, show them what I can do.”
