Football: Yate youngster Jack signs professional deal with Bristol City (From Gazette Series)

Jack Batten of Yate signs first professional deal with Bristol City

11:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Yate and Sodbury Sport

A TALENTED young footballer from Yate has signed a professional contract with Championship side Bristol City.

Defender Jack Batten, 17, has earned a deal just one season into his two-year scholarship.

He has been rewarded for his progress at under-18 and under-21 level this season, along with midfielder Lewis Hall.

A tall centre-half, Batten joined City’s Academy at the under-13 stage.

Bristol City’s head of academy coaching Willie McStay said: “Jack has been a leader at every age group and showed real maturity and confidence throughout.

“By offering him a professional deal a year early, we’re acknowledging the progress he has been making.

“We’re delighted to reward both Lewis and Jack with their first professional contracts.

“Both players have been captains for us and have excelled at under-21 level. We’ve put together a group that are working hard together and we want to continue adding to that group for the benefit of the football club.