Aberdeen FC Youth Academy graduates Alfie Bavidgeand Alfie Stewart have both signed extended deals with the Dons.

Aberdeen-born striker Bavidge joined the Club at the age of eight, came through the Scottish FA Performance School and impressed at U18 level in his first year as a full-time professional, scoring 38 goals.

The now 20-year-old made his competitive debut in Red as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Motherwell in February 2023 and has since made five first-team appearances.

Alfie has also enjoyed loan spells with Kelty Hearts, Ayr United and most recently Inverness Caledonian Thistle, where his goals helped the Highland side secure the League One title and promotion back to the Championship.

Speaking to RedTV ahead of the squad's return for pre-season, Bavidge reflected on signing his new deal.

He said: "I feel really good about the new deal. At one stage, I wasn't sure what the future would hold, but after speaking with the manager at the end of last season, everything became much clearer.

"He gave me a lot of belief and confidence. The dream has always been to be an Aberdeen player, and I have been given another opportunity to prove myself.

"In a way, it feels like a clean slate and a fresh start. Pre-season is a chance for me to show what I can do, and I have to give my very best every day."

Midfielder Alfie Stewart, also a lifelong Aberdeen supporter, is another AFC Academy graduate.

The 19-year-old joined the full-time ranks at Pittodrie in the summer of 2022 and captained the U18s to the Development League title and the SFA Youth Cup Final that season.

Stewart also spent last season on loan at Inverness alongside Bavidge, making 48 appearances and scoring eight goals as Scott Kellacher's side returned to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Reflecting on his new deal, Stewart said: "It has taken a little while for everything to get done, but once I heard the news, I was absolutely buzzing.

"When the season finished at Inverness, we came back and played in a bounce game. The manager called me into his office and said he would like me to stay. He said he liked how I play and what he had seen from me at Inverness. He wanted to keep me here and that was great to hear.

"I have been an Aberdeen fan my whole life. When you come into the professional setup, the aim is always to push on and make it into the first team. That is something I am now ready to challenge for.

"I am looking forward to pre-season. It is a chance to show the manager what you can do, but you have to work hard and prove you deserve a place in the squad."

Both players had initially been expected to move on this summer, but following extensive review of their performances during successful loan spells at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and further assessment at Cormack Park, manager Stephen Robinson opted to retain both players and offer fresh terms.

Robinson said: "When I arrived in March, it looked as though both Alfies would be leaving the Club this summer.

"However, a combination of the reports I received on their performances at Inverness and what I had seen myself at Cormack Park made me very reluctant to let them leave.

"They have both worked hard, shown the right attitude and earned this opportunity to continue their progression. We're keen to give them the chance to show what they can do.

"We've signed both players on one-year extensions, with some flexibility to make those deals longer. We'll now assess them further during pre-season and put together the best possible development plan for each of them.

"The next few weeks will help determine the best pathway. That could mean remaining with us as part of the first-team squad, or it could mean loan to the Championship where they continue to play regularly at that level, gain valuable experience and keep progressing towards our first team.

"My remit is obviously to win games for Aberdeen, but I also want this Club to have an identity our supporters can be proud of. Part of that identity is creating opportunities for our best Academy players and giving talented young players from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire a genuine pathway into the first team.Much like we did successfully with Findlay Marshall.

"I want to give both Alfie’s every opportunity to become part of that future, so this is a big year for them both."

Both players will join up with Stephen Robinson's squad for pre-season training this week as they look to build on the progress made during their successful spells at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Everyone at Aberdeen FC wishes both players every success in the season ahead.