Exeter City Academy has announced that seven members of their youth team have recently signed professional deals with the club.

Ed James, Harrison King, Gabriel Billington, Joe O’Connor, Pedro Borges, Mitch Beardmore and Max Edgecombe are the players that have put pen to paper with City, while current first-teamers, Sonny Cox and Harry Lee, are also members of this particular age group.

James is a centre-back who has played at the heart of the U18s defence for the majority of his scholarship journey. King has ended up being a reliable and versatile player who has captained the U18s on several occasions.

Centre midfielder, Billington, is known for his passing ability, and enjoyed a one-month work experience loan at Poole Town back in January.

O’Connor is a hard-working and intelligent midfielder, who has been on loan with Tavistock. Borges’ route joined up with the ECFC Academy from Yeovil Town’s youth set-up.

Beardmore also joined the club in 2020 following the closure of the Glovers’ Academy. Beardmore has been a creative force for the U18s over the past few seasons, and has already featured in Gary Caldwell’s first-team squad on several occasions this season.

Edgecombe is a left-footed defender, comfortable playing at full-back, or as part of a back three.