TEENAGE trio Ben Parkinson, Ciaran Thompson and Shaun Mavididi have all signed their first professional contracts with Newcastle United.
Parkinson and Thompson, both boyhood supporters of the Magpies, have agreed full-time deals after progressing through the Magpies' Little Benton academy, while London-born winger Mavididi has also agreed a first senior deal.
Parkinson, who joined Newcastle’s youth set-up at the age of seven, is a striker who is capable of playing on the wing.
The Durham-born 18-year-old recorded five goals and two assists in 11 Under-18 Premier League fixtures last season, and also scored three times in the young Magpies' FA Youth Cup campaign.
Parkinson said: "I’m absolutely over the moon to sign my first professional contract. It’s a huge moment, personally, but also for the people around me who have had to sacrifice their time and effort in order to help me get to this point and to do it here at the club I grew up supporting makes it even more special.
"There has been moments that really stand out this season, with one being the two FA Youth Cup games we had. I scored twice against Charlton to win 3-2 (at The Valley) and then, despite the result, my goal against Arsenal in the next round. It meant a lot to score in front of fans at St. James' Park."
Thompson is a defender who joined Newcastle’s youth system at the age of 13, and made his debut for United’s second-string in February.
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The Blyth-born teenager said: "I’m delighted to sign my first professional contract at my boyhood club. It’s a special feeling and a dream come true to sign for the club I grew up loving and supporting.
"Being here since the age of 13, I never thought of getting this far and I would never change my journey to this point now, which has been full of highs and lows.
"The experience I have gained playing with the Under-21s has been very valuable as it gave me a taste for what the next couple of years will look like, especially playing out of position at right-back. It was a challenge to adapt to that role but a one I really enjoyed."
Mavididi, who joined the Magpies' youth set-up from Arsenal in the summer of 2021, is a winger who featured regularly for Newcastle's Under-18s side last term, making 26 appearances at that level.
The Romford-born 17-year-old, targeting a competitive debut at Under-21 level, is relishing the prospect of competing in the UEFA Youth League.
Mavididi said: "My main targets for the upcoming season are to play as many games as I can and help the team do well in the UEFA Youth League.
"I'm over the moon to sign my first professional contract. It's something everyone around me has been working towards to get me into the position I'm in now and I'm very grateful, especially signing it at a club that's in a fantastic position. There's a good buzz going around the club and the future looks so exciting."
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