TOWN teenagers Matt Young and Aaron Hardy aim to be next in line for a first-team chance at the Galpharm.
The Academy products put pen to paper today on 12-month contracts and intend to make the most of them.
Young, from Leeds, and South Elmsall-based Hardy have both been playing for Town since the age of 11 and have impressed for the Youth team and Reserves in the last couple of seasons.
"It inspires you to do well when you see all the other young lads who have broken into the first team," said tough-tackling Hardy, who can play in midfield or defence.
"It would be great to follow them into the first team and, if I keep playing well in the Reserves, hopefully my chance will come.
"I'm doing a lot of work at the moment to improve my strength and I'm also putting in plenty of time and effort to sharpen my technical side.
"I think I have improved this season and now, over this next year, I want to keep that going and, hopefully, get a chance in the first team."
Hardy, who will be 19 in May, rates Liverpool's Steven Gerrard as his Premiership idol and at Town, admires the way Andy Holdsworth has stepped up to senior level.
"It's a great club to be at and I would love to play in front of a big crowd at the Galpharm," he added.
"The older pros at the club are very helpful, everyone gets along and, in the Academy, Gerry Murphy, John Dungworth and Chris Howarth have all been tremendous, along with the educational heads in Ann Sykes and Karen Crosland, and all the other staff."
Young has already had a taste of the first-team squad scene, making it onto the bench last season for the sensational home victory against Scunthorpe and then travelling for the goalless draw at Hull.
He has established himself in midfield and up front under the eye of Dungworth and Martyn Booty in the Reserves this term, where his hard graft has been a feature.
"Getting a full pro contract is what I've been working towards since the age of 11, so it's a dream come true in that sense and something to try and build on," said Young.
"If I keep working hard, hopefully I can have a long and successful career and, having been on the bench already, has been a really good experience for me.
"The next step, really, is to push for an appearance in the first team - to actually get out there on the pitch with a chance to show what you can do. That would be great.
"With that in mind, I'm working hard on the technical side of my game because my fitness and strength is pretty good already, but you can never stop working on all aspects of your game."
Young cites the Academy staff for helping him to progress and highlights the influence of older pros like Steve Yates and Rob Edwards - who was 35 yesterday - at Reserve team level.
"When you first get a game you are bound to be nervous, but players like Steve and Rob come and put an arm around you and let you know you are doing well," he said. "I was delighted when I found out I'd be getting a new contract and I'm determined now to work really hard over this next year.
"You don't get many chances in football, so I want to make sure I take this one and work really hard.
"It's a matter of having the right attitude, and that is something which is drilled into you throughout your time at this club."
