Mitchell Bates | New contract tops off an amazing season

Swansea City midfielder Mitchell Bates is already looking forward to the 2024-25 campaign after extending his stay at his boyhood club.

The 20-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal through to the end of June 2025, with the option of an additional 12 months.

Bates, a lifelong Swans fan, had broken into the Briton Ferry senior side last term after five years in their academy. He has since gone on to captain the under-21s, playing a crucial role in their Nathaniel MG Cup campaign as they reached the final of the competition.

The youngster had previously had a stint on the books with the Swans as a youth, and is now looking to fulfil his childhood dream by progressing ro make his first-team debut for the club.

"I'm over the moon. Swansea is my childhood club, my family's club, and to extend my contract is such a great feeling," said Bates.

"This season has gone well, as a group we started well and to get to the final of a senior men's competition was an amazing experience, as was captaining the squad against my former team.

"We've had some dips in form here and there, but we immediately got ourselves back on track and now we hope to reach the play-offs." 

Unlike many players who are in the academy pathway from a young age, Bates held a full-time engineering job in Pyle which he balanced alongside his training at Briton Ferry before his return to the professional ranks with the super Swans.

"Playing grassroots football with my friends was amazing, and it's because of grassroots football that I'm here today," said Bates.

"I want to give Wrighty [Anthony Wright] huge credit, he's helped me so much from a young age, from West End to Briton Ferry, he's been there at every step.

"There's plenty to look forward to. We've got one game left now at the Swansea.com Stadium, which is always a great way to end the season.

"We're reliant on other results at the minute, but we still have hope we can secure a top-two finish.

"But for next season, to be in and around the first-team environment is top priority, and I'm looking forward to it already."