SWINDON Town have offered professional contracts to five of their young stars this afternoon.

Second year scholars Alex Ferguson, Mark Francis, Aaron Oakley, Louis Thompson and Connor Waldon have all been around the Robins' first team squad this season, and have been rewarded for their efforts with the offer of one-year deals.

Aaron Ferris, Jake Johns and Jake Simpson have not been offered professional deals, but have been invited back to the club for pre-season training.

Academy manager Jeremy Newton is delighted with the progress his players have made this season, and offered his congratulations to the youngsters who are about to begin their professional careers.

“We are very pleased with the progress that has been made by our players this season,” he said.

"Congratulations to all those who have been offered a professional contract, some of whom have been with the club since the age of eight.

“To those not offered a professional contract, we will offer them support and do everything we can to try and help them find a new club.

“The hard work will begin all over again for the Academy in July when the first and second year scholars return for pre-season.”

Matt Jones has also been involved with the first-team this season, but along with five other young players he still has a year remaining on his scholarship.