Inverness Caledonian Thistle sign teenage trio on modern apprenticeships deals
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INVERNESS Caledonian Thistle have confirmed they have signed three modern apprentices from the club’s youth academy.
Calum Macleod, Sam Nixon and Jack Walker all put pen to paper after graduating from the club’s youth academy and being highlighted as having the ability to having a successful career in football.
All three players have been involved in the club youth set up since they were nine-years-old.
The trio signed modern apprenticeships deals with head of youth development Charlie Christie and head coach Billy Dodds in attendance.
Christie says all three players have shown ability which has impressed management at the club.
He hopes it will be the next step in each of the players' ambitions of making it as a professional football player and complements the work at the academy to bring through Highland talent.
Christie said: “It continues our long-term goal of giving local players the chance to progress and hopefully realise their dream of becoming a professional player.
“It really is a boost to the academy when we see these lads develop over time into young men who deserve their chance, and the academy coaches have high hopes for all three.
Christie says the club has a good history of bringing their own players through the academy to go on to become professional footballers.
His son Ryan, now at Bournemouth and playing for Scotland is the most successful example, with Graeme Shinnie, now at Aberdeen, also coming through the youth system,
With Inverness also boasting academy graduates in their first team such as Cameron Harper, Lewis Hyde and Roddy MacGregor, Christie believes they can have a bright future at the club and in football.
“There really is something special in seeing a home-grown young player make his debut.
"We have had relatively good success in recent times at the club in developing our own.
“It will be a real challenge to each individual and there will be highs and lows along the way.
“But with the correct attitude, willingness to learn and a strong mentality, there’s no reason why they can’t make their mark at the club.”
