Dobson-Ventura pens first professional deal

The youngster has been at the club since he was 8-years-old, signing his scholarship earlier this summer.

Having only just turned 17-years-old, the centre-back stepped up to the Under-18s age group last season, making 15 appearances including a cameo off the bench at Villa Park during the FA Youth Cup run.

Dobson-Ventura also has Premier League 2 experience to his name, featuring as a substitute for the final 25 minutes of an away visit to Nottingham Forest in March.

This campaign has seen the defender kick-on as part of the Under-18s side, something he sees as the next step in his climb to first team football at the club.

“It’s a great achievement,” said the youngster. “I feel like it’s what you’re working to ever since you were a little lad. So it just feels amazing to sit down and sign my first ever professional contract.

“Last season helped me build confidence, especially as an under-16 playing up. Now I can do it as an Under-18 and help the boys who haven’t done it before and really lead the process of going through the [FA Youth] Cup too.

“The aims this season are to smash it out with the 18s, get performances and results, and hopefully push on with Under-21s football and go from there.”

Academy Director Andy Goldie added his delight for Dobson-Ventura and detailed the next steps in store for Saints' latest young professional.

“It’s a proud moment for Tommy, his family and all the Academy staff who have played a small part of his journey so far, and we are pleased to see another young talent commit his future to the club.

"During my short time at the club, it's been evident that Tommy is a real leader within the Under-18s group and someone who demands a lot from himself and others around him – his challenge now is to maintain those levels to enable him to continue to build on the successes he has earned so far.”