Carlisle United can confirm the Academy retained and released list for 2025/26.
Contract offers have been made to second-year scholars Jonah Lowes, Seb Mason and Casey Sillitoe to extend their stay at Brunton Park.
Lowes, 18, who has just signed his first professional contract, made his first team debut in November 2024 at Morecambe in the EFL Trophy and has been involved in first team matchday squads on multiple occasions this season.
The midfielder joined National League North outfit Darlington initially on a one-month loan in February, with impressive performances for the Quakers seeing his spell extended until the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Mason, 18, debuted for United against Wigan Athletic in the EFL Trophy in October 2024 and signed his first professional deal with the Blues this February.
The attacker came off the bench in the Isuzu FA Trophy defeat at Chatham Town earlier in the season before joining Queen of the South in February to aid their promotion push from the Scottish League One.
Sillitoe, 18, has trained regularly with the first team and will look to continue his development with United's goalkeeping department.
Jack Porter, Jamie Hodgson, Simon Rigby and Lewis Lambert will complete their scholarship programme before departing and go with the best wishes for their futures from everyone at the club.
Andy Lowe, Academy Manager, said: "As the end of this season approaches, it is important to recognise the efforts of our second-year scholars and the commitment and determination they have given during their time with Carlisle United.
"This time of the season is the toughest part of being involved with an Academy for players and staff alike. Making decisions on which players continue on their journey with the football club, especially when players have been with the club for so many years, is extremely tough and never easy.
"Unfortunately, not every player will continue on their journey with the club - we understand that it is an incredibly difficult time for players, and as such, we place significant importance on providing an opportunity for the appropriate care and support to be given beyond these difficult decisions, whilst also ensuring the young people don't forget the achievements they have had during their time with the club. Our ethos of developing individuals, as well as footballers, is an integral aspect of our philosophy, and we hope the boys can look back on their time with pride and say that it was a really enjoyable time of their life at the club.
"On behalf of all academy staff, we would like to wish Jack Porter, Jamie Hodgson, Simon Rigby and Lewis Lambert the very best wishes in their future endeavours and thank them all for their commitment over the years.'
"At the same time, congratulations to Jonah, Seb and Casey on receiving extensions - this is a huge milestone in their development and an extremely proud moment for the boys and their families. The contract extensions reinforce the strength of the Academy, reflect its track record of developing players who go on to successful professional careers, and show that young players at the club still have a clear pathway and real opportunities.
"Finally, I would like to thank the wider PDP multi-disciplinary team led by Mark Birch for their continued commitment and drive to support all players in the professional development phase.
"Best wishes to all for the future."
Marc Tierney, Head of Football Operations, added: "The conclusion of each Academy cycle is always a difficult moment; this week has been no exception. We recognise that for the young scholars who will be leaving us, this is an emotional and challenging time, with each player showing dedication, resilience, and commitment during their journey with Carlisle United, and we are proud of the role they have played within our Academy.
"I echo the thoughts of Andy Lowe when saying that while not every player will continue their path with us, our responsibility as a club extends far beyond football as we are committed to developing not only talented players, but also strong, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. That remains a cornerstone of our Academy philosophy, and we are confident that every scholar leaving us will carry those values into the next stage of their lives, and they will continue to have the full support of our staff, wherever their future takes them.
"We would also like to highlight the positive pathway that exists within the club, with a special mention going to Jonah Lowes, who is the latest Academy graduate to earn a professional contract, demonstrating the effectiveness of our development approach. Our policy of providing young players with meaningful loan opportunities is proving vital in their progression, allowing them to gain valuable experience in competitive environments.
"This season has further reinforced our belief in that pathway with several Academy players featuring in matchday squads and contributing to a team competing at the top end of the table. It is clear that opportunity exists for those who are ready. The club remains committed to integrating Academy talent into the first team, and that commitment will continue moving forward.
"We thank all departing scholars for their efforts and wish them every success in the future."
