Ben Lloyd | I want to repay the faith shown in me and fulfil my dream

Ben Lloyd has his sights set on achieving his lifelong dream of playing senior football for Swansea City after signing a new contract through to the end of June 2026.

The 18-year-old has been with the club since the age of 12, and he and his family have been season ticket holders for a number of years.

The highly-rated midfielder's previous deal – his first as a professional - had been due to expire in the summer of 2024.

He has progressed impressively through the ranks, and featured regularly at under-18, under-21 and under-23 level over recent seasons.

His emergence was also highlighted by a memorable appearance from the bench in the first team’s friendly win at Forest Green Rovers in the summer of 2021, where Lloyd scored barely 20 seconds after being introduced as a substitute.

He went on to feature in the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup fixture against Reading that season.

This season he has made 21 appearances and scored six goals for the under-21s, and also featured in the FA Youth Cup.

Now, with his long-term future secured, Lloyd is determined to force his way into the first-team picture, and repay the faith the club has shown in him.

“It’s a really good feeling to know that the club have so much faith in me, and I just cannot wait to try and repay that faith and all the hard work the staff and coaches have put in to help my development,” he said.

“The aim for me now is to continue to work hard and try and achieve my dream of playing for the first team here, I back myself, I believe in myself and I believe I can do it.

“If I do get the chance it would be such a big moment for me, and a proud moment for my family as we are all Swansea fans. I hope there are exciting times ahead.

“This club means a lot to me and my family, I think you could see that from the video of us celebrating the win at Cardiff.

“I will give my everything for this club, for the supporters and I just want to try and make my dream come true.

“I need to finish this season well, put in some hard work off the field during the off-season and then getting ready to go for next season. I cannot wait.”

Lloyd has been one of a number of academy players to be handed the chance to regularly train with Russell Martin’s senior side, and the youngster acknowledged the support that the head coach and the club as a whole shows in giving opportunities to young players is a big plus point.

“The gaffer is really good with me and all the young players at this club. The style of play suits me down to the ground, we enjoy plenty of the ball and that allows me to get plenty of touches on the ball,” he added.

“It gives me a sense of freedom to go and express myself, and the coaching staff give you that confidence.

“This is a club and a manager that puts faith in young players, and that makes such a difference for players like myself coming through. It’s such an incentive to know that opportunities are there for younger players.”