Cambridge United

Goalkeeper Will Norris joined the U's in July 2012 from Royston Town and made his full league début in United's 1-0 victory at Tamworth earlier this month.

21-year-old Midfielder Liam Hughes has made over 100 appearances for the U's since joining the club as a scholar at the age of 15.

U's Director of Football, Jez George, said:  “We are delighted that two of our most promising young players have signed extensions to the existing contracts.  Will has developed and matured exceptionally well in the last 6 months under the tutelage of Taff (Martin Davies, GK Coach) and we saw a glimpse of his potential at Tamworth.  We think that he has a really good future ahead of him and an exciting career at Cambridge United.”

Jez then spoke effusively about Liam Hughes:  “Liam shows how players at the pinnacle of our youth development pyramid can progress into the first team from our scholarship programme and establish themselves as crucial members of the squad.  The fact that he has made so many appearances at such a young age demonstrates the opportunities available for the young players willing to work hard enough to make the most of their ability.  Liam’s qualities and versatility make him extremely valuable to the club and we are delighted to have recognised his progression by offering him an improved contract and equally delighted that he wanted to commit himself to the club for another two and a half years.”

 Jez concluded: “Both of these players are an example to the youngsters within our entire youth programme of what can be achieved with the application, attitude and hard work to match their ability.  They know that it is crucial they keep pushing themselves to develop as players and we are excited that we will see them to fulfil their potential at Cambridge United.”