Sunderland and Northern Ireland Under-19 goalkeeper Ben Metcalf
Sunderland and Northern Ireland Under-19 goalkeeper Ben Metcalf
Northern Ireland Under-19 international Ben Metcalf has been offered his first professional contract at Sunderland.
The youngster will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of senior internationals and Sunderland heroes Trai Hume and Daniel Ballard.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper joined the Academy of Light at Under-11s level and has continued to progress.
He is now a second-year scholar who has earned international recognition.
A regular with Sunderland Under-18s, he will be looking to impress on a consistent basis in the Under-21s.
Teenage defender Logan Graham has signed his first professional contract with Larne.
The 18-year-old joined the club’s academy back in 2010 and has also enjoyed a successful three-year spell with Greenisland FC.
“It’s a proud moment to sign my first professional contract and it feels a bit more special that it is with my hometown club,” he told the club.
“When I first joined the academy all of those years ago, it’s something that you dream about but to have it happen, it’s just a really great feeling for both me and my family.
“Now that it is signed, I’m excited to get back in for pre-season and be in and around everyone again. I can’t wait to challenge and push myself again the rest of the first-team squad to see what I can learn from them on a daily basis.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to impress and be apart of some first-team squads throughout the campaign.”
Ryan Nolan has signed a contract extension with the Invermen.
Championship side Ards have confirmed that Lee Newell has departed the club.
Chairman Warren Patton said: “I would like to thank Lee for his time with us and wish him all the best on his continued football journey. He has been a pleasure to work with.”
Fresh from signing Philip Lowry from Crusaders, Limavady United have drafted in Kieran Farren.
Boss Paul Owens said: “I’ve worked with Kieran previously at Coleraine where he established himself as a top defender before moving to England last year to study.
“Kieran adds greats quality to the group and we all feel he is a massive addition to the squad.”