This week, Cole Deeming became the latest Albion starlet to ink his debut professional contract with the club. The central midfielder has signed a two-and-a-half year deal, cementing his stay at The Hawthorns until June 2026.

Hailing from Sutton Coldfield, this first-year scholar has impressed by playing up an age group this season, showcasing his skills and scoring goals for Richard Beale’s PL2 squad. Cole’s talents, like those of his teammate Ollie Bostock, have been consistently praised throughout his time at The Hawthorns, especially when he excelled in Leigh Downing’s scholarship group as an U16 during the 2022/23 campaign.

A photo of Albion youngster Cole Deeming signing pro terms at the training ground

But the decision to become a professional at his boyhood club was an easy one to make for the 17-year-old who’s been in the Baggies’ youth setup since he was six-years-old.

After putting pen to paper on the deal, Academy Manager Richard Stevens reiterated his delight at seeing another young prospect commit their future to the club.

Stevens said: “He’s a born-and-bred Baggie. His family are from a long chain of strong Albion fans so it’s a massive occasion for them and everyone involved with Cole.

“He’s spent his younger ages in the academy and has always been a high performer in a really challenging group with lots of good footballers.

“This year, as a first-year scholar, he’s played in the 21s, been a regular in the 18s and gained involvement with the first-team group at times when required.

A photo of Albion youngster Cole Deeming, in the 23/24 home kit, in PL2 action at the club's training ground

“Giving Cole just over two more years here allows him to develop and work on the important things and as a club, we’re looking forward to working with him over this next period.

“He wants to be here, he loves it here, he’s improving all the time and it was absolutely correct that we gave him his professional contract.

“It shows our intent as a football club, as an academy, and people have got to continue seeing us as a football club which is committed to developing young players.

A photo of Albion Academy Manager Richard Stevens giving speech to scholars at The Hawthorns

This statement appears to be from someone discussing their role as an Academy Manager, likely at a football (soccer) club such as Albion. The manager emphasizes the importance of implementing processes to facilitate players’ progression to higher age groups based on their skill level. They also highlight the values of respect, balance, and grounding in players’ behavior, regardless of the age group they are playing in. These values are seen as crucial for players’ development and success within the football club.

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