Five young Bluebirds have signed their first professional contracts with Cardiff City.
Goalkeeper Danny Higgs, defenders T-Jay Parfitt and Noah Williams, as well as Hayden Allmark and Riley Hilaire-Clarke have agreed professional terms following the conclusion of their scholarships.
We'd like to congratulate all four Bluebirds as they continue their journeys in City shirts.
Higgs joined at U8 level and has impressed at a range of age groups.
The shot-stopper gained experience during the 2025/26 campaign at Cymru Premier outfit Penybont.
On his deal, Danny said: “It’s a dream come true to sign my first professional contract for the Club that I’ve supported from such a young age and been a part of for a number of years too. It’s an unbelievable feeling.
“If you would have told me at the young age that I signed here that I would go on to sign a pro deal, I would have been so happy. That has always been the goal but I knew that it was going to be tough. It’s a proud moment to get to this point.
“Moving forward, it’s about working as hard as possible and progressing as far as I can.”
Parfitt started his journey at City with our U11s. He made his First Team debut in a Vertu Trophy fixture against Newport County in October 2025.
"This is something I've worked towards for my whole career. I just feel really proud to sign for this Club," T-Jay said.
"Coming in at U11s, it's been a long journey. Looking ahead, I'm excited for this season and to have the opportunity to work hard and see how it goes.
"Making my debut last season meant a lot to me. To play in front of the fans and have the support that they gave me, it was so special."
Having been a Bluebird since U8 level, Williams has impressed both at club and international level, representing Wales' U19s squad.
The defender made his First Team debut in a Vertu Trophy fixture against AFC Wimbledon before making his league bow against Mansfield Town on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.
Noah commented: "I'm over the moon to sign for my boyhood club. I feel ready to kick on next season and show everyone what I'm about.
"The Club means everything to me. I've been a fan since I was a little boy and I remember when my dad used to take me to watch the games. Through the years, it's been a great journey and I'm looking forward to continuing that.
"I was very pleased with last season. I want to thank Brian [Barry-Murphy] for giving me the opportunity to play in front of the fans and show people what I can do on the pitch, it was a great experience. That game against Mansfield Town, coming on for my league debut, it was one of the best moments of my life."
Hilaire-Clarke signed for City in July 2024 and has since represented the U18s and U21s.
The attack-minded youngster can operate centrally or out wide, posing a threat in all attacking areas.
“It’s a massive moment in my career," Riley said. "To go through the journey that I have to get to this point, I’m super happy.
“In all the time I’ve been here, everyone has been so nice and helpful, whether that’s the staff or my teammates. That’s all I can ask for.
“I’m very excited. I know the opportunities that you can get in the U21s. If you do well, Brian [Barry-Murphy] will call you up and you’ll get a chance. You’ve seen it with all the other boys like Dylan [Lawlor] and Ronan [Kpakio]. Hopefully, I can impress and get my opportunity.”
Allmark joined the Bluebirds at U18 level from Liverpool. An attack-minded player, he can play as an attacking midfielder or as a winger.
Speaking at Cardiff City Stadium, Hayden said: “I’m so happy to sign a professional contract at a massive club like Cardiff City. I’ve loved my time here so far, I’ve learned a lot through playing regularly. I’m excited for the step to U21s.
“Last season was positive for me. I made my U21 debut and that was great to see the differences and how to get to grips with it. That’s the aim for this season is making that step.
“It’s an important few weeks. We’re coming up against a range of teams in pre-season and we can learn a lot from those games.”