Burns and Sloan sign their first professional contracts!

James Sloan and Louis Burns have put pen to paper on their first professional contracts for the club.

The two academy graduates spent last season within the first-team environment, featuring in the match day squad on occasion during the 24/25 National League Season.

Sloan made 5 league appearances last season, playing just over 200 minutes against Farsley Celtic, Southport, Marine AFC and a full 90 minutes against the league champions, Brackley Town. At the front end of the season, Sloan also played and scored in the FA Youth Cup against Stockton.

The centre-half enjoyed loan spells at Whickham and North Shields last season.

Louis Burns joins James Sloan within a unique group who have seen themselves promoted into the senior squad, showing the pathway that the South Shields FC Academy provides.

A player the Mariners will know well is Will Jenkins, who has established himself as a key part in the Mariners' midfield last season after being promoted from the Academy earlier in his career. Other noteable names include, Sam Hodgson, Ewan McGowan, Kyle Seymour and Dan Savage.

Louis Burns made his senior debut last season in an away trip to Leamington FC, a game which South Shields were defeated 2-0, but a great achievement for young Louis Burns, who saw his first taste of senior football.

The club are delighted to see two academy graduates make the leap into senior football, and we wish them all the best for the upcoming season.