Our U18s welcome a series of new scholars to the side ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The young Bluebirds have worked hard throughout pre-season training at our Academy Training Complex in Llanrumney, with their campaign beginning on Saturday against Bolton Wanderers in the Professional Development League.
As part of the U18s setup, the following players have agreed two-year scholarship deals with the Bluebirds:
Goalkeepers: Alex Cross, Charlie Bell.
Defenders: Keano Conaty, Zecheriah Larbi.
Midfielders: Jacob Norris, Cass Machin, Pedro Araujo.
Attackers: Taona Nyakuhwa.
Welcoming our new scholars, Academy Manager Gavin Chesterfield said: "These are exciting times for young players. Making the switch to full time training has its challenges, but also poses so many opportunities.
"Through our dedicated staff, they’ll be given every opportunity to be successful, but as it is in life, everything is earned through hard work and application."
Goalkeeper Alex Cross makes the step up to U18s football this season having gained experience around the squad in the previous campaign.
He will be working with Head of Academy Goalkeeping Lee Kendall to further his development in a City shirt.
Fellow shot-stopper Charlie Bell has also signed scholarship terms with the Bluebirds.
Charlie and Alex will form a strong goalkeeping department for our U18s this season, alongside Second Year Scholar Josh Donovan.
Full-back Keano Conaty gained a taste of U18s football last season.
He also boasts international experience having represented Wales at youth level.
Zecheriah Larbi is a new addition to the squad this summer.
The full-back has joined the Bluebirds from West Ham United, adding dynamism on the flank.
Jacob Norris is another who has represented Wales at youth level, as well as having experience at U18 level for City under his belt.
Showing quality with the ball at his feet, Jacob can operate both out wide or in central areas.
Joining the Club this summer is midfielder Pedro Araujo, who arrives from Crystal Palace.
Araujo brings versatility, featuring both out wide and centrally during our pre-season fixtures.
A fellow summer recruit is midfielder Cass Machin, who joins from Manchester City.
Cass is a talented ball player who also has strengths out of possession.
Josh Itsindo makes the step from U16s football to U18s this summer.
Signing a two-year scholarship, Josh is an exciting winger who plays with directness.
Taona Nyakuhwa is another stepping through the age groups this term.
Having mainly featured for our U16s last season, he also gained experience with our U18s. Taona is the brother of City winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa.