Sunderland's Academy of Light _(Image: Newsquest)_
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YOUNG Sunderland duo Jack Whittaker and Jaydon Jones have been handed their first professional contracts at the club after making "real strides in their development".
The pair, both midfielders, have come through the ranks at the Academy of Light and established themselves as key players in Graeme Murty's Under-21s side last season.
Jones, the younger brother of first team player Harrison, joined the club when he was just six years old.
He broke into the Under-18s squad at just 15 and featured 20 times for the Under-21s last term, scoring three goals and winning Sunderland's Under-18s Player of the Year award.
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Whittaker joined [Sunderland](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland/) from Wallsend Boys Club when he was 10 and made 26 appearances for the Under-18s and Under-21s last season. His impressive displays caught the eye of Regis Le Bris, who called the attacking midfielder up to join first team training.
Robin Nicholls, Sunderland's academy manager, said: "Jaydon and Jack have both made real strides in their development and shown they can impact games consistently.
"They each bring different strengths but share a strong work ethic and technical quality. We’re excited to support their next steps in the professional environment."