WIDNES Vikings have secured the futures of 25 elite players, who they hope will become the next generation of Super League stars at the club.

These young men will wear the Vikings shirt in 2014 and represent the club in either the U19’s or U16’s Academy competitions, pitting their wits against other high quality athletes affiliated with fellow Super League and leading Championship clubs.

Widnes Vikings’ Coach & Player Development Manager Shane Eccles, said that he is pleased with the quality of the new recruits and the impressive conveyor belt of talent in place at the club.

He said: : “Each of the seven new U19s Academy signings has progressed through our U16’s Academy. Their effort, commitment and performance in both the training and match day environment, was a key factor in them being retained and receiving their first professional contract.

“These players will now combine their playing and training programme, whilst studying full-time at the club, on a BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Performance & Excellence.

“We have also secured a number of new recruits to our U16’s Academy. The club’s scouting team have been scouring the North West since the start of the Community Season back in March, identifying players with the potential to become Super League stars of the future.

“The eighteen players that we have welcomed to the club, we believe, currently show the necessary behavioural characteristics and desire to progress through our system. Hopefully we will see a number of them pulling on a first-team shirt in the not too distant future.”

Widnes’ Scholarship Coach Kurtis Marsh, added: “These are very exciting times for the Youth Department at the club. The coaching staff and the players are really looking forward to getting together as a group, and kick-starting our plans for the 2014 season.

“Although the fixtures may not actually start until spring next year, our training programmes will commence from September, in preparation for what we hope will be a successful year for both of our Academy teams.”

2014 U19’s signings (NAME, JUNIOR CLUB, HIGH SCHOOL)

Konnagh Hill, Halton Farnworth Hornets, Saints Peter & Paul

Theo Holt, Rylands Sharks, Beamont Collegiate Academy

Ryan Ince, Widnes Moorfield, Saints Peter & Paul

Jack Houghton, Clock Face Miners, Sutton Academy

Connor Cutts, Clock Face Miners, St. Augustines

Jack Bond, West Bank Bears, The Heath

Josh Johnson, Liverpool Lions, De La Salle

2014 U16’s signings

James Rutledge, Halton Farnworth Hornets, Wade Deacon

Liam Walsh, Halton Farnworth Hornets, Saints Peter & Paul

Ellis Lewis, Halton Farnworth Hornets, Saints Peter & Paul

Sam Freeman, Halton Farnworth Hornets, Saints Peter & Paul

Louis Wainwright, Crosfields, Great Sankey

Owen Farnworth, Chorley Panthers, Southlands High School

Aidan Sutton, Ince Rose Bridge, St. John Fisher

Ryan Bretherton, Wigan St. Judes, Hawkley Hall

Lloyd Roby, Rylands Sharks, Cardinal Newman

Ben Dixon, Crosfields, Great Sankey

Alex Stewart, Crosfields, Great Sankey

Danny Walker, Rylands Sharks, Beamont Collegiate Academy

Keanan Brand, Wigan St. Patricks, St. Peters RC High School

Chris Wilson, Orrell St. James, St. Peters RC High School

Brad McAlpine, Rylands Sharks, Beamont Collegiate Academy

Daniel Slater-Mairs, Rylands Sharks, Sir Thomas Boteler

Jake Alder, Wigan St. Patrick,s Hindley High

Rhys Horrocks, Ince Rose Bridge, Ince Rose Bridge High