Four Under-18s to become professionals

Four of this season’s double-winning Under-18s will progress into the Argyle first-team squad as professionals next season.   

Freddie Issaka and Caleb Roberts, who have already signed pro contracts, will formally make the step up, and will be joined by Jack Matthews and Josh Bernard, who have been offered their first professional deals.  

Jack is primarily a central defender but is equally comfortable playing in central midfield. From Newquay, he has been with Argyle since the age of 10 and featured several times for the first team in pre-season 2023/24.  

Josh’s story is an extraordinary one. He was not initially offered a scholarship with Argyle, but came through the Argyle Community Trust’s education programme, impressing at each step as he went along. Not even making his under-18s debut until March 2023, the midfielder has completed an impressive rise, now being offered his first deal.  

Harley Sneap has been offered an additional year’s scholarship, having been injured for most of the current season. Kieran Edworthy and Finley Wilkes, who have each missed part of the season with injury, have been offered short-term extensions.  

Lewis Colwell, Henry Donovan, Cole Gibbings and Matthew Martin have not been offered a professional contract. We wish all of them well with their future careers.  

“It is excellent that four of our Under-18s will be stepping up to first-team level next season,” said Academy Manager Phil Stokes. “All of them have worked very hard to get to this stage, and this is a great moment for them, their families and their coaches.  

“In some ways, the hard work starts now, but we believe in them all, and we look forward to watching them represent the club with pride.  

“Everyone at Argyle would like to wish all the best to those who are moving on and wish them all the best for their futures. They have been a credit to themselves, their families and the football club.  

“As part of the Argyle family, we will continue to support and work with each of them as they look to continue their football journey.”