COLCHESTER United have agreed new contracts with four of their promising young players.
Gene Kennedy, Ted Collins, Frankie Terry and Kaan Bennett have all penned new deals, with the U's.
U's director of Football Tony Humes told the club's website: "All four deserve a lot of credit for their performances this season, and fully deserve their new contracts.
"They'll start their summer break in a couple of weeks, then I'm sure they'll be back for pre-season busting a gut to get involved with the first team.
"A lot of hard work has got them this far, but a lot more hard work will be needed to make that next difficult step."
Kennedy (pictured above) will next year be looking to build on his breakthrough season with Colchester, after signing his new deal.
The U's announced earlier this month that he agreed a new contract at the JobServe Community Stadium, along with Bradley Ihionvien.
Kennedy, who has been with Colchester since he was ten years old, made his senior debut for the club last August having featured regularly for them in their pre-season friendlies.
The midfielder made his first-team bow after appearing as a second-half substitute in Colchester's 1-0 defeat at Championship club Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup.
Kennedy, 19, has made nine first-team appearances for the U's so far this season, including League Two starts against Sutton United and Mansfield Town.
Collins (pictured above) made his senior debut for Colchester in their eventful 1-1 draw with Swindon Town, in January.
The goalkeeper came on in the 74th minute after Shamal George was sent off.
Colchester finished the game with nine men but salvaged a draw, thanks to Emyr Huws' last-gasp equaliser.
Terry (pictured below), who has featured for the U's under-23s this season, was heavily involved in Colchester under-18s' FA Youth Cup run, this season.
The teenage centre-back is the son of former Yeovil Town and Leyton Orient midfielder Paul Terry.
Terry also has two famous football uncles - former Chelsea and England defender John Terry and ex-Liverpool and England full-back, Paul Konchesky.
In February, Terry has spent some time with Premier League club Chelsea on trial.
The defender was involved with Colchester's first team, this season and was an unused substitute for their 0-0 draw at Bradford City in League Two, last December.
Like Terry, winger Bennett was also heavily involved in Colchester's FA Youth Cup win and also penned a new deal.
Liam Bailey's side beat Arsenal before losing to Premier League side Newcastle United, at St James Park.
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