Middlesbrough deals for seven academy players

Adam Reach is among the Boro players to receive a professional deal

Middlesbrough have handed professional contracts to seven academy players ahead of the 2011-12 season.

Adam Reach, Ryan Brobbel, Charlie Wyke, Jake Fowler, Adam Jackson and Curtis Edwards have agreed deals until the summer of 2014, starting on 1 July.

Kyle Oliver has signed a two-year contract, taking him to the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

Former Everton player Luke Dobie has a one-year deal after impressing on trial at the Riverside.

Reach, 18, has already made an impact on the club's first-team with a debut goal in the 3-0 win against Doncaster earlier this month.

Other former academy graduates such as Richie Smallwood, Ben Gibson and Cameron Park have also established themselves in the first team this season, while David Wheater, Adam Johnson and Stewart Downing have prospered at Premier League clubs.

Tony Mowbray has previously stated that his plan is to build his side around a core of young players, utilising the influx of academy players mentored by Dave Parnaby and Ron Bone.

"While I congratulate all of the lads on earning their first professional contracts, the important message to them is that the hard work starts here," Mowbray said.

"The challenge now is to work towards becoming first team regulars. That will only happen if they listen, learn and continuing to develop every aspect of their game."