‘Great character with a tremendous work ethic!’ Teenage footballer from Spalding signs first professional contract with Peterborough United

A rising teenage football star was quick to acknowledge the ‘hard work continues’ after signing his first professional contract.

Spalding-based defender Noah Freeman penned the deal with League One Peterborough United after impressing in the club’s youth ranks.

"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and I am determined to try and make the most of it,” the attack-minded 18-year-old right back told The Posh’s website.

“It is always a challenging time when you know you are coming up to decision-time and you never really take anything for granted.

"I felt like I had a positive season, but it is all about opinions. Thankfully I have been given a contract and the hard work continues.”

Freeman has featured for his club’s under 18s and under 21s sides regularly throughout last season, impressing academy director Dan Robinson.

“Noah is an attacking right-back who enjoyed a really positive 2024/25 season, he is a great character and has tremendous work ethic,” he told theposh.com.

He has really worked hard on his game and knuckled down and showed plenty of improvements in his game. He has progressed well and benefited from a small work experience loan in men's football.

"We are excited to see how he progresses, particularly because he has been at the club since the age of seven and gone through each phase of the Academy."

A statement issued by Spalding Grammar School praised their former student’s sporting talents.

“It was evident when Noah joined SGS that he was an all-round outstanding sportsman, winning the Sportsman of the Year award in Year 7,” it said.

“His football development and success continued throughout the five years and finished with him on the scoresheet as his Year 11 team were crowned Lincs County Cup Champions in their final game.

“Having been with PUFC since the age of seven, he has transitioned into being an attacking right back who has featured for both his own age group and playing up with the Under 21’s side already.

“We wish Noah all the best with his next step and we are excited as to where his football journey could go to.”