North Wales teenager signs for Blackpool Football Club

Luke Mariette has signed a two-year pro contract with Blackpool. Picture via the Blackpool FC website

North Wales teenager Luke Mariette has signed a professional contract with Blackpool Football Club.

Luke, 17, a former pupil of Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph, who hails from Rhyl, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at Bloomfield Road, having consistently shone for the youth team this season, scoring three goals in 26 appearances and providing four assists for his team-mates.

Named on the first-team bench for matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Wigan Athletic, Luke’s performances were recently rewarded with a call-up to the Wales under-18 squad, where he made his international debut against England.

On signing his contract, Luke told the Blackpool FC website: “I’m over the moon. I’ve been working hard this season to get a professional deal and it’s come early.

“It’s been a good season for the youth team and I’ve started regularly, as well as train with the first-team a couple of times and been involved on the bench.”

Blackpool Academy Director Ciaran Donnelly said to the website: “Luke has had an excellent season. As a first-year scholar he has adapted to full-time football in a positive manner and his performances for the under-18s have been really encouraging. He has also been given a number of opportunities to be around the first-team squad, which have had a positive impact.

“Luke is a respectful young man and he is well deserving of his recent international call up. We’re all looking forward to continuing our work with Luke. The future is promising for him.”

Luke was also formerly part of the Liverpool FC Academy.