Words John Edwards | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Louie Fallon and Remi Raymond have both signed their first professional contracts at The J.Davidson Stadium and achieved their goal of graduating from Academy hopefuls to fully-fledged members of Altrincham's first-team squad.

What a proud moment for Alty's two up-and-coming teenage prospects to have progressed through the club's youth system and taken their place in the Robins' senior ranks.

There can be no doubt they are there on merit after keeper Louie excelled on loan at Witton Albion last season to such an extent he was named supporters' player of the year and midfielder Remi consistently took the eye for our Academy side in the National League.

"I've been working hard for the last two years," said Remi. "Now I've got to keep going and keep progressing, and I'm really excited for next season."

Louie was just as eager to justify the faith shown in him by the Academy staff and manager Phil Parkinson, saying: "I'm thankful for the opportunity the club have given me and hopefully I can show it's the right decision. I'm looking forward to the season starting."

Revealing that Louie's form had attracted interest from EFL clubs and describing how versatile Remi can fill any of the positions in midfield, Alty boss Phil said:

"Remi has had a really eye-catching, progressive season with the Academy and is going to be a really exciting prospect for us.

"He can play the deeper midfield role, as a box-to-box midfielder or as a 10, and he has all the attributes we look for from our players in any of those roles.

"He's got excellent athleticism and a brilliant attitude, and I think he's one we can be really excited about moving forward.

"Louie has had a superb loan at Witton Albion and is probably a year ahead of a lot of the Academy lads that we take on because of the exposure to the first team that he's already had and the excellent coaching from Ethan Ross that has been part of that. He has come on in leaps and bounds.

"He has been getting a lot of attention from Football League clubs but has chosen to stay here to continue his positive progression and hopefully enhance his career with us. I'm delighted he has decided to remain with us."

Academy manager Paul Fay provided an insight into how two of his star pupils seized the chance to prove they were worthy of elevation to senior status.

"Louie came over to us at under-16 level from Stockport Dynamoes," he said. "He had a lot of National League exposure with the Academy team in his first year with us and was soon playing for the Reserves as well.

"It's great to see the development and difference in Louie that has come from working with a full-time goalkeeping coach in Morgan Chilton - that's been a massive help to him.

"This year, we were able to get him day release from college on Monday and Tuesday, so he could be with the first team, and the level of coaching he received from Ethan Ross on those days really helped him kick on.

"The work we've done with him in-house with Morgan and Ethan has been so beneficial and really pushed him on.

"We have seen evidence of that with the way he grabbed his opportunity at Witton Albion with both hands. It was only meant to be short-term while their keeper was recovering from an injury, but he did so well that they kept him for the rest of the season.

"That didn't surprise us at all. I spoke to Phil and Ethan about it, and none of us was the least bit surprised.

"He's a great lad, very level-headed, and the way he handled going on for the last 25 minutes or so against Braintree, after Ethan was injured, showed he's not easily fazed. He just bounces on and gets on with things.

"He's so calm, and I'd say he is probably as good with his feet as many outfield players. His all-round game has bounced on 10-fold, and it's a credit to the coaches who have worked with him and to him and his family. It's going to be great seeing how far he can go.

"Remi was at Oldham as a youngster before coming to us for a trial at under-16. He broke his leg in a schools match and didn't kick a ball until the following season.

"We did rehab with him and got him back on the pitch in late-September, and basically he played National League football with us throughout the rest of the season.

"Technically very good, he can operate in all three midfield positions, and his game understanding is a lot better than it was. He has so much more to give, and being involved with the first team will really push him on in that respect.

"If anyone watched our FA Youth Cup games last season, they will have seen the performances he put in, especially the second half against Carlisle United.

"He's another great lad who is very level-headed. He maybe needs to believe in himself a bit more, but that will come with being around the first team. The other thing to work on is popping up with a few more goals, because he has the ability to do that.

"I'm really happy for him, and he deserves great credit for the way he has come in and bought into everything we are trying to do. If you buy in to something and things fall your way at the right time, you will get your rewards, and I'm looking forward to seeing how both lads go next season."

To purchase your 2025/26 Altrincham FC Season Ticket and join us for the next chapter at The J.Davidson Stadium simply click here and get ready for another season of exciting football on Moss Lane.