AFC Youth Academy graduate Alfie Bavidge has agreed a contract extension that will see the highly regarded striker remain at the Club until at least 2026.

The 17-year-old, who has been involved with the Dons since the age of eight, graduating through the SFA Performance School, was a standout at U18’s level in his first year as a full-time professional having netted 38 goals. He was rewarded with his first team debut in February of this year, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3–1 win against Motherwell.

Having arrived at Pittodrie from Dyce Boys’ Club, the striker, who is a Scotland U17 internationalist, followed in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather who has been heavily involved in the game in the northeast of Scotland.

A powerful player whose pace and leadership skills have had an undoubted impact on the U18’s squad, he deservedly picked up the Development Player of the Year award at the recent AFC Player of the Year Dinner.

AFC Director of Football, Steven Gunn, has high hopes for local boy Alfie, who he believes is testament to the pathway offered to young talent at Pittodrie.

He added: “We’re delighted with Alfie’s recent progress and his decision to extend his contract with the Club which now gives him the platform over the next three years to develop further.

“Given the rules which dictate the length of time a 17-year-old can commit to, the desire to get Alfie tied up until 2026 is a clear sign of intent on the Club’s part. It also further demonstrates our continued commitment to emerging local talent as we build the representation of Academy-developed players in the Aberdeen first team.”

Alfie added: “This has been my first season as a full-time professional so to sign a contract extension at this stage is a dream come true for me.

“It’s been a long season and I have had to work really hard, so it is nice to see the hard work pay off. The step up from U18s to first team level is massive. Playing against men compared with boys my age, there is a big difference but the more I train and play with the first team, the more comfortable I feel playing at that level.

“I have to thank the manager for all that he has done for me. This season at U18 level, along with Scott Anderson, he really pushed me on before he gave me my debut in the first team. He is someone who has a lot of experience in the game and every player who works with the manager has enormous respect for him.

“The fans have also been brilliant with me since I came into the team. I can only thank them for the support they have given me. Hopefully, they get the chance to see more of me in the future, but I know that to achieve that I need to keep working hard.”

RedTV subscribers can watch an interview with Alfie by clicking on the link here