Mitchell Ward is a first-year wing-back.

Danny Heath: "Mitchell is a first-year player playing regularly in the under-19s team. He is relishing that challenge and opportunity. Mitchell demonstrates great athleticism and controlled aggression to win his 1v1 defending duels and he is always on the front foot to press high up the pitch. In possession Mitchell shows good quality on his forward passes and his crosses to produce an end product when in the final third of the pitch. When crosses are coming in from the opposite side of the pitch, Mitchell also shows a great desire and good timing of movement to attack the back post area."

Mitchell: "My previous clubs are Colchester United and West Ham United. Being a Southend United youth team player is an achievement I am proud of. I love the togetherness of the team and how it is one big family. Also, there is great support from everyone to push each other to be the best they can be. I enjoy the training standards and how I always can do extra and become a better player."