We are delighted to announce that youngsters Akai Bonnick and Jesse Aldridge have officially signed their first professional contracts with Forest Green Rovers.

Both have put pen to paper on terms after impressing in the FGR youth setup with both joining first team preparations this pre-season.

They follow Will Merrett and Keon Sanniola in signing dual terms with the club whilst studying at Hartpury University alongside their professional contracts.

Akai Bonnick

Bonnick operates largely in midfield but has the ability to play in a number of positions. He played 45 minutes in our opening pre-season match against Slimbridge at full-back and helped Rovers to a clean sheet.

He also featured in three of the four National League Cup fixtures including a starring role in the 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers U21s.

A mainstay in the U18s squad last term, Bonnick makes the step up and has been involved at the Candriam Training Centre since the beginning of pre-season.

Jesse Aldridge

Aldridge is a composed and assured midfielder with an eye for goal. He also played 45 minutes in our opening pre-season win down at Thornhill Park

Left-footed Aldridge made two appearances in last season's National League Cup against Wolves U21s and Stoke City U21s - both at The New Lawn.

A regular in the U18s side, Aldridge also scored the FGR Academy Goal of the Season.

Head of Academy, Yan Klukowski said: "Both Akai and Jesse have worked incredibly hard and fully deserve their professional contracts here at FGR.

"It's a pleasure seeing our youngsters thrive both in a footballing environment and off the pitch - the experiences will ultimately stand them in good stead moving forward.

"I'm excited to see their development in and around the first team setup!"

We'd like to congratulate both Akai and Jesse on turning pro!