Bristol Rovers is delighted to announce that Kian Hill has put pen to paper on professional terms with the Club.
As part of the announcement, Hill was invited down to The Memorial Stadium to take photos and conduct an interview for the first time since signing his first professional contract.
Hill was the Academy Player of the Season last term, making his first appearance for the senior team in the Vertu Trophy against Cheltenham and having a successful loan spell at Bristol Manor Farm, scoring six goals and assisting once.
"It feels amazing to sign my first professional contract," Hill said. "It's everything you work for and go into training every day for. I'm grateful that I've been given the opportunity to play professionally.
"I remember being in the stands, watching the first team at The Mem as a young boy. So, being part of this squad now and being a professional footballer here means a lot.
"It's been great to train with the first team, learning off players who have lived it and breathed it for their whole lives. I'm like a sponge when I'm up there, learning everything I can. The players have given me advice when I've needed it and told me when to step up.
"The Academy staff have been brilliant. I am really grateful for them; they've shown me where I need to improve. I've had plenty of meetings over my time here, and they've been there to support me."
Interim Academy Manager Damien Broad was at the event and was delighted to see Hill sign and praised the midfielder for his talent and character on and off the pitch.
"I’m absolutely delighted for Kian and his family on signing his first professional contract," he said. "Kian epitomises everything the Academy stands for in being BRFC - brave, resilient, forward-thinking and collaborative on and off the pitch. He shows not only great technical qualities but human ones and is a role model for those who know him and his journey through the Academy system.
"Kian's family, especially his mum and Dad, two great people who have supported Kian every step of the way, up and down the country week in week out. Academy football is a huge commitment and thankless task for parents, so without their support, Kian's journey may have been very different.
"Additionally, a big, big thanks to the Manager and Board for continuing to believe in and support the club's young talent; without the opportunity, many can go unnoticed with their potential unfulfilled.
"The club's continued support to give our young players a chance is paramount in ensuring the Gas continues to showcase their own talent for years to come. Kian now follows in the footsteps of a long list of talented players to progress from our Academy into our first team."
Hill featured across the foundation phase before stepping away from the programme at U12s. However, he returned to the Academy at U16s and was offered a scholarship midway through the season.
The midfielder went on to score 35 goals across his two-year scholarship, also registering 20 assists. Hill has had loan spells at Nailsea & Tickenham and Bristol Manor Farm, and made his senior debut for Rovers last term.
Everyone at Bristol Rovers would like to congratulate Kian on his first professional contract and wishes him the very best in his career with the Gas.
