Toby Steward is delighted to have signed his first professional contract with Pompey.
Now the 17-year-old goalkeeper is looking forward to continuing on his exciting journey at Fratton Park.
He has put pen to paper on a deal that runs until the summer of 2024, having appeared on the first team bench this season.
And Steward has enjoyed the opportunity to learn alongside fellow stoppers Gavin Bazunu and Alex Bass.
He said: “I’m really proud and grateful. I’ve been at this club since under-10 level and it’s always been a dream.
“My family have been incredibly supportive during all my years at the club and now the hard work continues.
"I’m really proud and grateful. I’ve been at this club since under-10 level and it’s always been a dream."
“In the short-term I want to build up my skills and become a better goalkeeper, while in the long-term I want to get into the first team.
“I’m looking to push as far as I can with this club and Gavin is someone who’s a real inspiration to me.
“He’s a young keeper and it’s really inspirational to watch him and see what I can bring to my own game.
“Bassy has also been great, as well as (goalkeeping coach) Michael Poke. They’ve told me to trust the process and don’t get frustrated.”
Steward’s last outing was in the midweek Hampshire Cup victory at AFC Stoneham, which sent Pompey into the quarter-finals.
He said: “It was a really competitive game and a good experience for me and the other boys. I had lots of shots – down low and up high.”