By Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa is pleased to announce Ashton McWilliams has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The news comes on the back of a successful season for the defender, who helped the Under-18s win the FA Youth Cup, Premier League South and Premier League National Final. 

Academy Manager Mark Harrison hopes to see him continue to flourish at Bodymoor Heath.

He said: "Ashton has been at the academy since his Under-9 year, so we are delighted to see him sign his first professional contract.

"He was a member of the Under-18 squad that won the treble last year.

"Ashton is a competitive, attack-minded full back who likes to get up and down the pitch, and he captained the Under-18 side at times during their successful season. We look forward to watching Ashton develop."

Congratulations, Ashton!

Ashton McWilliams