A FORMER Ponteland United junior has signed his first senior contract with South Shields after impressing in his debut year for the first team.

Will Jenkins grew up playing his football in Ponteland but was snapped up by the Mariners' academy in 2018.

The 18-year-old made 12 appearances for the Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit last season, scoring twice including a screamer on his debut against Radcliffe.

Jenkins said: "I’m delighted to have been rewarded for a good season with a contract at first team level.

"My time in the academy has helped me massively and I feel like I’ve progressed a lot over the last two years."

He added: " I’m looking forward to trying to push on again next season and hope to become a regular."