Four Aberdeen FC Youth Academy players have joined the professional fold at Cormack Park ahead of the 2025/26 season.

All four youngsters are stepping up from the U16 level, having also previously featured for the U18s during the last campaign. Academy Director Stuart Glennie is excited to see what the future has in store for our new graduates.

He said: “It is a huge occasion for everyone. We say it is the start of a new journey: it is a big day, and a proud one for everyone, players, parents, and all the staff at the club.“The hard work starts now, but it has really been going on for years, and everyone has played their part to get the boys to this point. They recognise the hard work of everyone in their family to get them here, and it is special that they can all be here with them at Pittodrie for this landmark moment.

“The pathway ahead will look a bit different due to recent changes. It’s what we believe is best for their development. We will do as much as we can to help the boys, but ultimately it is going to be down to them.

“We are excited about what is instore for them. We feel like we need to challenge them earlier in their development than perhaps we have sometimes done in the past. The Club Academy football has been great, and we will still have that with our U17s, but the idea now is to get our talented players out and experience that challenge of senior football.

“There will be more demands on them when they are out playing for their loan clubs that will be a huge benefit for them. It’s not about putting them to the clubs and forgetting about them, because they will still be training at Cormack Park on a full-time basis.

“They’ll also have their programme of games with us within  the KDM Evolution Trophy (Challenge Cup),Aberdeenshire Cup, Aberdeenshire Shield and the Scottish FA Youth Cup. It’s going to be a busy schedule for them all.

“To have the Scottish Cup there on the signing night was hugely important, particularly when former Youth Academy graduates such as Jack Milne, Jack MacKenzie and Fletcher Boyd helped us to win it. It is up to them to be a part of history like that in the future.”

Theo Simpson – Goalkeeper

Originally from Musselburgh, Theo is an international youth goalkeeper who joined the Academy at Under 11 level. An SFA Performance School Graduate, he is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and he is a great shot-stopper as well. He has done very well for us during his time in the Academy.

Aaron Cummings – Midfielder

Aberdeen based Aaron joined the Youth Academy at Under 10 level and is a dynamic midfielder. He wants to get on the ball, he wants to play, and he wants to get forward. He’s got a strong engine, and he’s a great size for a midfielder. He brings a lot of energy to the middle of the park.

Sam Mclean – Winger / Midfielder

Bradley Chikomo – Striker

Bradley was introduced into the Academy at Under 13 level and is a number nine, but he can also play out wide as well. He is powerful, quick, and a clear goal scorer. He is very direct, his pace can cause teams big problems, and he is also an excellent size for a centre forward.

 On behalf of all the Academy staff, we wish all our new graduates the very best during their time as professional players at the club.