Ben scores Gateshead FC contract

Gateshead Football Club has signed Gateshead College student Ben Williams on a two-year professional contract.

Centre-back Ben has penned a two-year deal ahead of the 2024/25 season, with an optional extension available at the club's discretion, and will link up with the first team squad during the pre-season campaign.

Williams spent the 2023/24 season with The Heed's U19 side after previously appearing for Sunderland U18s, for whom he made 44 appearances across three seasons before making the switch to Tyneside in 2023.

The 19-year-old joins former Gateshead FC Academy players - and current first team squad members - Connor Pani and Oli Thompson as a graduate for the 2024/25 Vanarama National League campaign.

The academy is a partnership between Gateshead College and Gateshead FC where students play or coach at the football club while studying for nationally recognised qualifications. Over the last few years, the college-football club partnership has produced some notable success stories.

Former Heed player Jon Mellish is currently playing for Carlisle United whilst Tom White previously played for Blackburn and is currently with Barrow AFC. In addition, Elliot Forbes and Connor Pani played in Gateshead’s first team during the 2022/23 season.

"The two-year is a big thing for me, it gives me the two years to prove myself and prove why I should be here after coming through the academy," said Williams.

"I did everything I could last season within the academy to prove why I should get given a contract, and then a few conversations came about between myself, Rob [Elliot] and my agent. "I just want to get going and prove to everyone, and myself, that I'm good enough for this level."

Tony Wigham, Head of Football Development at Gateshead College, said: “We are thrilled for Ben. His work ethic and commitment in the Gateshead FC U19 Academy Programme meant he found himself getting training opportunities with the first team and it’s fantastic he’s secured a contract with the first team.

“Ben’s hard work and dedication has been rewarded and he should feel very proud.”

Find out more about our Gateshead FC Academy here.