Six second year youth scholars will be kept on for next season with three being offered pro deals for the following campaign.

Bradley Dack (pictured), Jake Hessenthaler and Jack Parter will all turn pro at the start of the 2013/14 season.

Next season they, along with Josh Hare, Nathan Nyafli and George Humber, will become third-year scholars. It is the first time the club have adopted the third year programme.

For youth manager Darren Hare it makes sense. He told the club’s website: "It has benefits for the club and for the player as well, because for me if there’s one thing we need to do with these young players, who are technically very able, is give them the best chance to develop physically, which can only be done by playing against men."

Youth captain Dack has scored over 20 goals from midfield this season while Hessenthaler has impressed in midfield and full-back Parter has also made massive strides.

"Bradley’s goals speak for themselves," said Hare. "It’s an outstanding achievement.

"Jack Parter has surprised a few with the improvement he has made. He deserves it.

"It’s always going to be difficult for Jake. The fact that he is my nephew and Andy’s son, it’s always been tough on him.

"But you’ve got to take your hat off because he has, for me, been the single most improved player over the course of the 18 months."

Josh Hare, Humber and Nyafli will all get the chance to play for professional deals next season, with the six players training and integrating with the first team The club have decided to release keeper Ashley Bourne and forwards Dylan Ford and Jake Mackenzie.

"We’ve let go with very heavy hearts," Hare added.