Cambridge United were pleased to announce at last Thursday's launch night for the Cambridge United Youth & Community Trust [article] that Luke Berry and Blaine Hudson have signed professional terms with the Club.

Director of Football Jez George told cambridgeunited.com, "We identified these two lads very early in their scholarship as potential first team players.

"Luke and Blaine have been virtually ever present in the CRC team since signing in 2008. They have consistency, a fantastic attitude and application. It is important they use this opportunity as a springboard to push on further, continue to improve and challenge themselves to get in the first team as quickly as possible."

Blaine Hudson is a 6ft 5in centre-half who made his first team debut against Eastbourne in the league last month. He joined us from Norwich City and as soon Jez George heard he had left Norwich he was whisked off to a Youth Tournament in France, where he impressed Jez and Youth Team Coach Nolan Keeley over the weekend and was offered a scholarship in May 2008.

Luke Berry is an energetic box-to-box midfield player with an excellent goal scoring record this season. Luke has been with Jez since he was 11 years old and regular watchers of CRC games would testify to his talent and potential.

Martin Ling added to Jez's comments: "Both lads have impressed me when they've trained with the first team. Blaine came in and did well for his debut last month, whilst we know all about Luke Berry's ability. We feel these youngsters could have a big future and will play a part in my plans for next season."

Luke Berry told cambridgeunited.com, "I know this is just the start. I need to keep working hard, get into the first team as quickly as possible and continue to progress.

Blaine added, "I'm really proud the Club have believed in me and given me this chance. I've already had a taste of playing in the first team and now want to establish myself in the starting XI."

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