The Vale Academy's preparations for next season is well underway and they have offered ten under 16s players scholarship contracts.
This comprises of eight boys who have come through the various age groups in the Academy set-up and two promising additional players who have just been signed by the Club.
Academy PDP Lead Coach Paul Ede is pleased with the new crop of scholars.
“Retaining eight lads who have developed right through the Academy is more than we would expect at this age level.” He said.
“However, they have all progressed really well and deserve their chance. In addition, the two new players have joined us following strong recommendation, with one of them having already been capped for England at U15 level.
“Most of the eight existing Academy lads have already stepped up to play for the Youth team this season, well ahead of normal and this has been great experience for them in their on-going development”.
The two-year scholarship that they have been awarded also involves studying for academic qualifications at Stoke Sixth Form College as part of the League Football Education programme.
Everyone at the Club wishes the boys success and hope that this is a further step towards a bright future in the game for each of them.