Evan Watts grateful for the trust and belief shown by Swansea City

Goalkeeper Evan Watts is grateful for the belief and trust Swansea City have shown him after signing his first professional contract at the club.

Watts has put pen to paper on a deal that secures his future through to the summer of 2025, having worked hard to overcome a string of injury setbacks. 

The 18-year-old has been at Swansea City since under-12 level and has progressed through the ranks, featuring regularly for the under-18s and under-21s.

"It's what you work for from a young age, it's always the goal. After a tough journey, to put pen to paper on a pro contract is such a good feeling, and a proud moment for my family and I," said Watts.

"Again, I never thought I would get to sign a pro contract after the injuries I sustained, so to be here is so relieving."

The Welsh youth international was sidelined for three years after suffering injuries to both knees, but he has shown tremendous character to overcome those challenges.

Watts finally got back out onto the pitch ahead of the 2022-23 season for a pre-season friendly against Arsenal, and has since worked his way back to full form and fitness.

"Getting back on the pitch last year was amazing. At times during my recovery, it looked like it wasn't going to be possible," he added.

"The support I received from the club, my family and friends is what got me through. It was a massive relief in a way to carry on doing what I love.

"The club, the staff and coaches always had their belief in me, especially going through a long-term injury, knowing I still have a place at this club really was a major positive."

Last month, Watts was named in Matty Jones' Wales Under-21s squad ahead of their opening Euro 2025 qualifying fixture against Denmark.

And although, he didn't make his debut, he relished the opportunity.

"Going out to Denmark with Wales Under-21s was such a good experience, I got to train with some top players nearly three years older than myself, so it was a good learning moment for me," he added.

"It kind of set the standard that I want to strive for as a player, then being amongst that environment, you just learn so much.

"Having a camp in pre-season is great to not step out of routine, and it's definitely helped me push on ahead of this season with Swansea."

Watts was named on the bench on numerous occasions for the under-21s last season, and made his first start in the final game of the season against Birmingham City, where the Swans clinched an emphatic 10-1 win.

And Watts hopes for more opportunities to arise with the upper-age group during the coming season. 

"The aim is to get as much game time, learn as much as possible, and to really get some sort of consistency back. I want to feel good when I play, and be able to contribute to the team," he said.

"Pre-season is all about putting myself in a good place, and to start the season off strong."