Falkirk Football Club is pleased to confirm that Academy players Leo Harris and Stephen Nixon have signed Modern Apprenticeship contracts with the club.
Midfielder Leo and defender Stephen have both agreed deals that will see them continue their development with Falkirk until 2028.
The pair have each enjoyed impressive campaigns within the Falkirk Academy and will now make the step into the full-time environment as they continue their progression towards senior football.
Leo has been part of the Academy for over three years and has developed into an energetic box-to-box midfielder. A player who can affect the game at both ends of the pitch, he has regularly contributed with goals and assists, while also bringing the running, intensity and work ethic required in the middle of the park.
Stephen arrived at the club just over a year ago and has made a strong impression during his time in the Academy. A composed ball-playing centre-half, he is comfortable in possession, uses the ball well and has also shown the defensive qualities, aggression and physical attributes needed for his position.
During the 2025/26 season, Stephen performed strongly for the Under-17s before stepping up to the Under-19s, where he again looked comfortable in that environment. Leo has continued to progress across his time with the Academy, producing consistently strong numbers from midfield and showing the attitude required to take the next step.
Both players were also given the opportunity to train with the first team last season and equipped themselves well.
John McGlynn said:
“Leo has been with the Academy for more than three years now and he has done really well over that period.
“He is a real box-to-box midfield player. He is full of energy, he covers the ground well and he is the type of player who can get about the park and press with intensity, which is important in the way we want to play.
“He has had a terrific three seasons in the Academy, he has a magnificent attitude to everything he does and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
“Stephen came to us from Rangers just over a year ago and he has had a terrific season.
“He is a centre-half, but he is a ball-playing centre-half. He is very good in possession, he uses the ball really well and he is comfortable playing in a team that wants to build from the back.
“Defensively, he is very good. He is aggressive, he has decent pace and he has the physical attributes we would be looking for in that area of the pitch.
“He is someone we have high hopes for. He has earned his contract and we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses.”
Tony Begg, Head of Academy at Falkirk Football Club, said:
“I’m delighted to see Leo and Stephen sign their first contracts with the club.
“Both players have shown real promise during their time in the Academy and this is an important step in their development.
“Both players had the chance to train with the first team last season and did well in that environment. That gives them a good understanding of the standards they now have to work towards every day.
“They both have a lot of hard work ahead of them, but they have earned this opportunity and I look forward to watching them continue to progress over the next couple of years.”
Thank you to our Academy sponsors, Street Lighting Supplies and GAC, for their continued support of the Falkirk Academy.
