Lewis excited by development challenge

​​​​​​​Joe Lewis is looking forward to competing at the highest level of development football after signing his first professional contract with Swansea City.

The 18-year-old defender has penned a one-year deal at the Liberty Stadium after coming through the club’s academy.

The Wales Under-19 international made 24 appearances for the Swans’ under-18s and a further four with the under-23s last campaign on top of helping the academy retain the FAW Youth Cup.

Now Lewis is targeting more game-time at under-23 level after getting a taste of what development football has to offer.

“I am really excited to get started,” he said.

“Game-time with the under-23s last season was huge because it gave me confidence to perform better with the under-18s.

“It has also set me up and prepared me for what that level is like going into this season.

“Earning a professional contract anywhere is huge for a player my age, but to do it with your local side and the team you have grown up with means so much more.

“Getting more game-time will be my first priority. It is great the club still has category one football to allow players our age to compete at the highest level. I will give it my all to help the team again this season.”