FIVE Guiseley academy stars have begun trials at EFL clubs.

One young star looking to impress Championship side Brentford is midfielder Lewis Hey, who has also just signed his first contract with Guiseley.

The youngster will trial at Brentford alongside fellow Guiseley academy product Adam Haw.

Nathan Newall is trialling with Stoke, with defender Chukwudalu Molokwu and goalkeeper Hagie Damba at Huddersfield.

Hey, who has also had trials at Sunderland and Stoke, and Haw have just faced a Forest Green B team that included former Guiseley Academy player Jake Young.

Last week, Bingley lad Hey played against Chelsea's Under-23s and of that experience, the former Beckfoot Grammar School pupil said: "I felt very proud of myself and felt that I held my own at that level against a team of lads who are all future pros.

"We have enjoyed the trials at these clubs and the full time training is keeping us fit and preparing us for the season ahead. I am feeling the most confident I have ever felt about my game.

"Playing men's football at Guiseley last season has really developed my game both mentally and physically.

"I tried to take those things I have learned with Guiseley's first team under Russ (O'Neill) and Marcus (Bignot) into the game against Chelsea and I think that helped me to do well."

Hey, the son of former Guiseley player Nicky Hey, was very happy to sign a contract with The Lions after some impressive performances with the first team last season.

He is now hoping for a season uninterrupted by Covid, having seen his first campaign with the senior side come to a premature end.

He said: "I am buzzing to get a contract with Guiseley and am really grateful for the opportunities they have given me so far in senior football.

"I am looking forward to getting more games in at that level but what I am really looking forward to is playing matches in front of the Guiseley fans.

"We have really missed out on that and our skipper Hamza Bencherif has said what a great boost they give to the team so I can't wait to sample that.

"What he said about the fans and what they mean to the team was very encouraging."

Hey added: "It was frustrating to have a premature end to the season for both the first team and the academy due to Covid but I hope to make up for that when we get back to league action.

"We had such a good academy squad and we had that great game in the FA Youth Cup at Bolton Wanderers (a 2-1 win).

"We were looking forward to pushing on in the league and really making our mark but it was not to be."