Academy hopefuls pen deals
Eight young players have signed as first year apprentices for Pompey.
Jez Bedford, Harvey Bradbury, Nick Hall, Kyle McDowell, Ousman Saidy, Tommy Scutt, Eddie Wakley and Theo Widdrington – all aged 16 – have penned two-year deals with the Blues academy.
Academy manager Mark Kelly said: “It was a happy and exciting day for all of the boys and their families.
“Some of them have been with us for quite a few years, so it’s nice to see them make the next step.
“They’re fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead as they look to become young professionals at this club.
“It’s going to require two years of hard work from them, but I know that’s something they’re all prepared for.”
Goalkeeper Hall and midfielder Scutt hail from Portsmouth, while midfielders Bedford and Widdrington come from Dorset and Hampshire respectively.
Left-back McDowell and defender Wakley are both Londoners, striker Bradbury is from Surrey and centre-back Saidy from The Gambia.
Midfielder Cameron Green, and forwards Harry Tumber and Sam Woodward have also put pen to paper on extended schoolboy terms.