Exeter City is delighted to announce that Louie Cayless has signed his first professional contract with the Club.
The 17-year-old, who has been with the Academy since under-9 level, has put pen to paper on a deal that will run until the summer of 2028.
Louie joined the Grecians at under-9s after impressing during a trial, having initially been spotted playing for local side Ipplepen. He has already made his first team debut aged just 15 and has been a regular feature in City’s Premier League Cup campaign.
Speaking after signing his first professional deal, Louie said: “It’s a proud moment for me and my family. I’ve worked hard since under-9s to get to this moment.
“The Academy has its ‘must-haves’ – attitude, bravery, competitiveness, work rate and reactions, which you are taught from a young age right through to under-18s. These are important and will help me with the next stage of my career.”
Having played most of his minutes since U13 as a defender, Louie has transitioned into a midfield role over the past 12 months – a move he has embraced.
“The coaches saw that I was capable of playing in midfield and it’s something I’ve been working on in training to develop,” he added. “I enjoy getting around the pitch, driving with the ball and linking play with my passing.”
Louie also paid tribute to the support of his parents throughout his journey so far. “My parents have been huge in helping me reach this milestone. They’ve made a massive impact throughout my journey.”
Louie became City’s second youngest ever player when he came on as a substitute in the Grecians’ EFL Trophy match against Spurs Under-21s, aged just 15 years and eight months. Reflecting on that moment, he said:
“I was shocked when I found out I was going to be involved. I believe in myself to get into moments like that, and I was so proud to be part of the first team.”
Academy Director Arran Pugh expressed his delight at seeing Louie’s hard work rewarded. “It’s a huge moment any time an Academy graduate signs a professional contract, and this is a fantastic achievement for Louie and his family.
“We have a proud history of players coming through the Academy and progressing into the first team and beyond, and we hope Louie builds on this opportunity, turns it into a career and makes many appearances for Exeter City.
“Louie is a fantastic young person and a talented player with huge potential. He’s earned this opportunity through his commitment and adaptability. He’s versatile, comfortable in possession and his ability to progress play fits well with how the first team operate.
“Now he must continue to work hard, develop in the areas we challenge him on daily and take every opportunity that comes his way.
“A huge thank you must go to Louie's family and all the Academy staff, past and present, who have supported Louie’s development brilliantly.”
Speaking of their pride in Louie, his parents Mike and Leanne said: “We are incredibly pleased for Louie. He has put so much effort into reaching this stage and has shown real determination, commitment and drive.
“It’s a big commitment for us as parents – evenings at training, matches all over the country, but we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. We’ll always support him in every way we can.”
“The Club has been brilliant from day one. Louie had a six-week trial and was taken on after three weeks. Since then, the communication, professionalism and overall support within the Academy have been excellent. They’ve given him fantastic opportunities and really pushed him on to reach where he is now.”
Louie has now joined Plymouth Parkway on a one-month loan deal, marking his first full taste of men’s football.