Carlisle United have awarded youth team deals to six young Cumbrians - and two prospects from Championship clubs.

The Blues have today confirmed the eight teenagers who will begin under-18 scholarships at the club next season.

Six have come through United's academy while the other two were previously with Middlesbrough and Stoke City.

Hayden Atkinson, Jamie Hodgson, Jonah Lowes, Seb Mason, Jack Porter and Simon Rigby all step up through Carlisle's youth system.

They are joined by Louis Lambert from Middlesbrough and Casey Sillitoe from Stoke.

United describe Atkinson as a "physical and dynamic centre-back" with Hodgson seen as a "quick, powerful, athletic player".

Midfielder Lowes is deemed "technically sound" with Mason a pacy winger.

Big centre-back Porter is said to have "good presence and the ability to drive out with the ball", and Rigby a "dynamic box to box midfielder".

Centre-forward Lambert, meanwhile, is described as "strong and powerful" with Sillitoe termed a "technically good and confident" young goalkeeper.

United's outgoing academy manager Simon Friel told the club website: “Well done to all the players who have been offered and accepted scholarships for next season.

"I would like to thank all the academy staff who have worked with these players across the age groups. I have no doubt they will be incredibly proud of the players' achievements. 

"I look forward to seeing how the players progress over their two-year scholarship."