Chester FC have announced that teenage duo Matty Waters and Kieran Evans have signed professional deals with the club.

The pair, who have come through the Blues' youth system, will link up with the first-team squad for the 2016/17 season thanks to youth team shirt sponsor Swettenham Chemists.

Southend-born Waters has made three first-team appearances this season in the Cheshire Senior Cup. A full-back that can play on either side of the pitch, Waters, who has been with the club since he was 15, has scored over 20 goals for the youth team this season.

Evans has tasted first-team football in the Cheshire Senior Cup twice this season, making his debut in 2014. A full-back, Evans has made over 50 appearances for the youth team over the past two years.

Academy head coach Calum McIntyre said: “Working with Matty and Kieran has been a pleasure and I am so pleased for them that they are getting the rewards for their hard work.

"Our Youth Development programme is in it’s infancy and this is great news for all involved with our Academy and the football club in general. Producing players for our first team is the aim of the Academy and we have done this once again in the signings of Matty and Kieran.

"Both boys are terrific examples of hard work getting rewards and their coaches are very proud of them. We are hugely grateful to Swettenham Chemists for their support and providing the opportunity to ensure there is a pathway for our Youth Team players through to the first team.

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"I am delighted for the players but they have to understand that the hard work starts now to break into the squad and progress further at Chester. Knowing these boys as well as I do, I know they will seize the opportunity and do what they do best.”

Caretaker first-team manager Jon McCarthy was equally as delighted to see the duo join the senior squad.

He said: "I am delighted for both players, I was much older, 20, when I signed my first contract.

"I remember how special a day it is to receive the recognition. They have both proven themselves consistently in first team training over the last 6 months. The partnership with Swettenham Chemists is such a valuable level of support.

"It guarantees that in the future, academy players will get a first team opportunity which may not have been possible previously. It is a real incentive for everybody from the youngest age groups upwards to see what can be achieved at Chester FC. The club now provides a clear pathway from Academy to first team."

Ian Swettenham from Swettenham Chemists said: “Swettenham Chemists are proud to provide the funding to enable Matty and Kieran to further their careers with Chester FC.

"This is a great opportunity for these talented young players to demonstrate how the Youth Academy provides a clear pathway through to the First team. I'm sure they will make all Chester fans proud and I look forward to watching their progress over the coming seasons.”