MARK Francis made his debut for the Robins in Saturday's away League One encounter at Sheffield United.
The second year scholar was joined by Matty Jones on the bench for Tuesday's home win over Crewe Alexandra and here is look at their path to the first team squad...
Mark Francis (pictured)
DOB: 12.12.94, Dorchester
Position: Striker
Squad number: 37
The frontman made his Swindon Town debut as a second half substitute at Sheffield United on Saturday 13th April 2013. He joined the Robins after writing to Under-18’s coach Paul Bodin to request a trial following his release by Portsmouth aged 16.
He impressed in a trial game before signing two-year scholarship forms and he is currently in the second year of his scholarship. Francis is an Arsenal fan and says Thierry Henry is his favourite footballer.
Matty Jones
DOB: 30.11.95, Swindon
Position: Left-back
Squad number: 38
The son of former Swindon midfielder Tom, Jones played for Greenmeadow Under-8’s before a move to Reading. He once played for the Royals at Highbury at Under-10’s level and signed for Swindon Town aged 11 after a four-week trial and says Sam Parkin is his favourite ever Town player.
Jones was awarded squad number 38 before travelling with the first team squad to Sheffield United and was named on the bench for the home win over Crewe Alexandra.
Alex Ferguson
DOB: 23.09.94, Basingstoke
Position: Midfield
Squad number: 33
The central midfielder captained the Town youth team in their FA Youth Cup third round meeting with Liverpool in December and has been a regular this season for the Under-18’s. Ferguson signed for Swindon in 2009 from Reading and once scored an impressive overhead kick for the Town Under-15’s against Yeovil Town following a corner.
He admires Simon Ferry’s play and linked up for training with the first team following Kevin MacDonald’s arrival at The County Ground.
Aaron Ferris
DOB: 26.10.94, Swindon
Position: Midfield
The midfielder joined STFC after being spotted by former Town Centre of Excellence manager Jimmy Fraser. After impressing in a representative game for the Vale of White Horse, he joined Town on trial before signing a scholarship forms.
He has featured regularly for the youth team this term and scored important goals during the FA Youth Cup run.
Jake Simpson
DOB: 11.02.95, Macclesfield
Position: Midfield
The son of former Town regular Fitzroy, Simpson’s potential was spotted as a six-year old playing at Stratton Juniors. He then linked up with the STFC Centre of Excellence.
Simpson once scored a hat-trick against Bristol Rovers during his time with the STFC Under-16’s and cites his Dad as the biggest influence on his career.
Connor Waldon
DOB: 13.02.95, Swindon
Position: Striker
Squad number: 34
A former Greenmeadow player, the striker was playing for the North Wiltshire representative side as a 15-year old when he was spotted by Academy Manager Jeremy Newton. After impressing in training with Swindon he signed for the Robins.
Waldon names Simon Cox as his favourite ever Swindon player and his parents as the biggest influence on his career so far. He has been a regular amongst the goals this season for the Town Under 18’s and recently joined the first team squad for training.
