ACADEMY GRADUATE ARRON DONALD SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT

Dundee United is proud to announce that 16-year-old  Academy Graduate Arron Donald has signed his first full-time professional contract at Tannadice this week.

Arron has been with Our Academy since the age of nine, joining from Montrose Youth after being scouted by the Club. The left-sided defender and Scottish FA Performance School graduate from St John’s High can play at centre back and left back. The contract caps off a great two weeks for Arron where he was also called up into Scotland’s Under-17 training camp. Arron is the sixth player from 2005 to sign a full-time contract with the Club, all of whom were involved in the national Under-17 training camp last week.

Academy Director Andy Goldie stated: “Arron’s journey throughout the Academy is one that we will use as a shining example to those who wish to follow in his footsteps.

“During his early years he was viewed as one of our high potential players but growth-related injuries have hampered his development time the past three years. He has played down an age group when his team mates were being pushed on and initially found it difficult to earn opportunities with the Under 18 squad. However, he has persevered, maintained his standards and demonstrated great resilience to overcome the challenges he has faced. 

“Now, he’s a regular starter for the Under 18s and gained further recognition for his progress when called into the Scotland Under-17 training camp last week. Although he will have many more challenges ahead of him, we are delighted to welcome him as the latest young player to commit his future to the Club.”

Arron added: “I have worked very hard to get to where I am today and I can say that the past two weeks have probably been the best of my life so far! Receiving my first professional contract and being called up to the Scotland Under-17s training camp is a major milestone for any young player. My aims now are to work hard to keep my form up for the Under-18s and earn opportunities with the first team.

“I would like to thank the coaches who have helped me get to where I am now as a player and even more so my mum, dad and grandmother. They have backed me 100% all the way with great encouragement and have travelled up and down the country to support me in every game.”