Newcastle announce pro deal for George Mair

Newcastle United have handed highly-rated Academy goalkeeper George Mair his first pro contract, with the youngster putting pen to paper on his 17th birthday.

The Darlington-born youngster has been with the Magpies since the age of eight and has already made the step up to Under-21 football this season.

Now, after a hugely encouraging start to the campaign, Mair has been rewarded with his first professional deal at St James' Park.

"It means a lot" – Mair reacts to his first Newcastle contract

Mair admitted he was "over the moon" after being offered his first pro deal by Newcastle, with the teenager delighted to see his long journey through the Academy rewarded.

Speaking to the club's official website after today's announcement, he said: 

"I've been at the club for about eight years now and when I was offered the [professional] contract, I was over the moon," Mair told Newcastle's official website.

"It means a lot. I'm really grateful for the opportunity I've been given."

The goalkeeper was also keen to praise the people at Newcastle who have helped him develop since joining the Academy at Under-8 level.

"Newcastle has developed me and the coaching staff have helped to get me to where I am now," he added.

"I'm really appreciative of what they've done for me and it means so much, especially signing for Newcastle."

Mair has already had some valuable exposure to the first-team environment, training alongside the senior squad at his young age.

He says that experience has been a major part of his development, with the youngster keen to learn from the more experienced goalkeepers and senior stars around him.

"To have first team exposure at my age, training with the squad, is a really big part of my development," Mair explained.

"I can learn a lot from the older lads, getting tips from them, and it's a great experience."

Mair enjoying strong 2026 

Mair made his full Newcastle Under-21 debut in August's National League Cup clash against Tamworth at just 16 years of age, while he has also featured in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.

He also experienced UEFA Youth League football at the age of 15, making his debut against Barcelona. And there is now some particularly healthy competition for the No.1 position at Under-21 level.

Mair has been competing with fellow teenager Roman Dowell, who is just 16 and joined Newcastle's Academy at Under-9 level. Dowell made his competitive Under-21 debut against Boreham Wood earlier this month and has also represented England at youth level.

Mair himself described the competition between the pair as "healthy", with both young goalkeepers pushing each other to improve.

It's an encouraging situation for Newcastle to have, especially with summer recruit Ewen Jaouen only 20, and No.1 Lukas Hornicek still young at 24.