Newcastle United has announced that three promising young talents, Ben Parkinson, Ciaran Thompson, and Shaun Mavididi, have signed their first professional contracts with the club. The trio’s achievements highlight the successful progression of players through Newcastle’s renowned Little Benton Academy.
Both Parkinson and Thompson, lifelong fans of the Magpies, have inked full-time deals after honing their skills at the club’s academy. Meanwhile, London-born winger Mavididi has also secured his first professional contract with Newcastle United.
Parkinson, who joined Newcastle’s youth set-up at the tender age of seven, is a versatile striker capable of playing on the wing. The Durham-born 18-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign, displaying his goal-scoring prowess. He notched five goals and provided two assists in 11 Under-18 Premier League fixtures, and added three goals in the FA Youth Cup, captaining the Toon Teenagers before their fourth-round exit.
Additionally, Parkinson found the net twice in his first three Premier League 2 appearances for Newcastle’s under-21 side. His consistent and positive performances have earned him a well-deserved maiden professional contract, marking a significant milestone in his 11-year journey through the club’s Academy.
Expressing his delight, Parkinson said, “I’m absolutely over the moon to sign my first professional contract. It’s a huge moment, personally, but also for the people around me who have had to sacrifice their time and effort to help me get to this point. Doing it here at the club I grew up supporting makes it even more special.”
Reflecting on memorable moments from the season, Parkinson highlighted his decisive brace against Charlton in the FA Youth Cup, securing a 3-2 victory at The Valley. He also cherished his goal against Arsenal in the subsequent round, despite the overall result. Scoring in front of the fans at St. James’ Park held particular significance for the young striker.
Parkinson further mentioned his delight at finding the net against Leeds in a challenging under-21 match, as it marked his first goal at that level. Stepping up to face physically imposing defenders pushed him to understand and adapt to the higher demands of the game. The experience has helped him grow as a player and prepared him for the upcoming season.
“I think going into next season, understanding and knowing what to expect is a good thing,” Parkinson added. The young striker is determined to embrace the challenges and continue his development within the Newcastle United ranks.
The club’s investment in nurturing young talent is evident in the signing of Parkinson, Thompson, and Mavididi. Newcastle United remains committed to cultivating a strong foundation of promising players as they build for the future.
