General
- Wednesday January 19th, 2022 @ 17:00
Curtis Brothers Sign Pro Contracts
We are delighted to announce Ireland underage internationals Ben Curtis (17) and Sam Curtis (16) have signed professional contracts with the club.
The brothers, from Navan, joined our U19s last summer and featured in both legs of our UEFA Youth League tie against Red Star Belgrade during an impressive first six months at the club.
This is a first professional contract for Sam, who became our youngest ever senior player, when he came on against Waterford last August at 15 years and 255 days.
Centre-back Ben has extended his contract having also impressed during his time as a Super Saint so far.
They join a number of other current Academy players who are already on professional contracts with the club.
Manager Tim Clancy said:
"We are very pleased that Ben and Sam have signed their contracts. They've both been doing well in pre-season with the first team so far and made really positive impacts to the U19s last year. They are among a number of Academy graduates who are in and around our first-team squad which is great. They'll continue to work hard in training and I'm looking forward to watching their progress both in the first team and also with the U19s."
Teenager Ben is delighted:
"I'm really happy and delighted to sign. The experience I've gained from being around the first team is second to none and it's the stuff you dream about as a kid.
The senior players have won leagues and cups and are all top top players. You learn from them every day which is great for someone my age.
The UEFA Youth League was a massive thing for me last season with the U19s and a brilliant experience.
I think I've really pushed on as a player since coming to Pat's, it's a great place to be as a young player.
My plan is to play as well as I can for the U19s and train to my very best with the first team and I can't wait to kick on."
While 16-year-old Sam can't wait to get going:
"It's a really proud moment for me and my family.
I'm delighted to have signed my first professional contract at Pat's, there's no better club to do it at either.
I've already had some great experiences like making my senior debut at 15 and playing in the UEFA Youth League.
The highlight was being around the squad for the cup final and the whole experience which was fantastic.
My mindset is to try and kick on from last year with the U19s and also the first team and see where it takes me."
Academy Director Ger O'Brien has been telling us more about today's news:
"Ben and Sam are both very talented young footballers and we are delighted that they've committed their futures to the club.
They came in half-way through last season had had a really positive impact on our U19s and both have been involved in the first team.
We are looking forward to continuing to work them and hopefully they can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Darragh Burns, Ben McCormack and James Abankwah etc in terms of their progression at the club."
You can see photos of Ben and Sam from today's signing announcement on our social media channels thanks to Matthew Lysaght / ML Sports Pics
