Tameside youngster lands pro contract

A Tameside starlet has taken a step closer to achieving his lifelong footballing dream. 

Marshall Heys, from Audenshaw, has signed his first professional contract with League Two side Salford City, aged just 17. 

Having impressed for their Under 18’s side, and latterly, their Development Squad, the youngster’s hard work has finally been rewarded, as he edges closer to landing a spot in the Ammies’ first team squad. 

The talented midfielder - who acts as assistant manager for Droylsden-based Sunday League side Halfway House FC in his spare time - is yet to feature for Peter Cklamovski’s side this season, but has already had a small taste of men’s football. 

Back in the 2024/25 campaign, Heys made history by becoming the youngest ever player to appear in the FA Cup for a professional club, at just 15 years, two months and six days old. 

The teenage star came on as a late substitute during the Ammies’ first-round win over Shrewsbury Town, before going on to make the bench for their third-round defeat at Manchester City. 

And having signed with UK based agency Murdock Sports Group, who represent some of the sport's biggest names including Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, the sky is the limit for Tameside’s latest sporting prodigy.