In a proud moment for Pembrokeshire, local lad Yori Griffith has signed his first professional contract with Swansea City FC. The talented midfielder, hailing from Haverfordwest, has committed his future to the club until the end of June 2026, with an option for an additional 12 months. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Yori's football journey, which began when he joined the Swans at the under-10 level.
Yori Griffith's success is a source of immense pride for the Pembrokeshire community. His journey from a young local player to signing a professional contract with Swansea City FC serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in the region. It underscores the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the support of local sports programs.
Yori Griffith's rise through the ranks at Swansea City FC is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Since joining the club as a young boy, Yori has consistently impressed his coaches and peers. He signed his scholarship prior to the 2023-24 season and has been a regular for the under-18s, demonstrating his skill and commitment to the game.
A standout moment in Yori's burgeoning career came in March when he made his first under-21s start in a match against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium. Despite the team's 2-1 loss, Yori made an immediate impact by scoring on his full debut.
Yori also played a pivotal role in the under-18s' Professional Development League Cup campaign. He featured in every game, helping his team reach the final, where they narrowly lost to Millwall at The Den with his contributions throughout the tournament showing his potential for future success.
Under-18s head coach Jarred Harvey has been full of praise for Yori's achievements. "It's an incredible achievement for Yori. He's been at the club since he was very young, and he's a great boy," said Harvey. emphasising his versatility and readiness for higher-level competition.
Despite facing an injury towards the end of the season, Yori's focus and work ethic have remained unwavering. Coach Harvey expressed confidence that Yori will be ready for the new campaign, gaining valuable experience around the first-team setup.
Reflecting on his journey and achievements, Yori expressed his excitement and gratitude. "I'm over the moon to have signed my first professional contract here. It's something I've always had on my mind that I want to achieve," said Yori. He emphasised the significance of signing the contract while still in his second year of scholarship, feeling that he has proved himself when given opportunities at higher levels.
"I'm also grateful for the trust the coaches and club have given me, they've helped me so much," he added. As he looks forward to the new season, Yori is eager to continue his development and push for more first-team experience.
With his professional contract now in place, Yori Griffith's future in football looks bright. The next few years will be crucial as he continues to develop his skills, gain experience, and potentially break into the first team at Swansea City. The support from his coaches, teammates, and the Pembrokeshire community will undoubtedly play a significant role in his continued success.
As Yori continues his rehab from a leg injury sustained at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, he remains focused on improving his game and training with the first team more consistently. "I want to keep improving, training with the first team more consistently and work on improving my game. I don't have much of my rehab left, and I can't wait to get back out on the pitch," he said.
Yori Griffith’s journey from Pembrokeshire to signing a professional contract with Swansea City FC highlights the potential of local talent and the importance of nurturing young athletes. As Yori embarks on this exciting new chapter in his football career, the entire Pembrokeshire community will be cheering him on, proud of his accomplishments and excited for what the future holds.
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