Every young footballer has a dream of playing for his favourite side, and it is often quite a challenge to burst onto the professional scene.

Once you have secured that lucrative professional contract, the next hurdle is to impress enough to make it into the first-team.

One example of a Championship side that possesses one of the most reputable academies in the country is Cardiff City.

The great players and teams throughout the club's academy have been built on local talent. They have brought through some outstanding Welsh talent over the past decade, with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley gracing the Premier League in their stride.

The Bluebirds have a proud history of nurturing young stars of the future and continue to maintain their commitment to youth development.

The set-up in South Wales is a big part of the club and it is always encouraging to see a young footballer make a break through in his career

Football League World Writer, Ashley Williams identifies the next FIVE wonderkids to emerge from Cardiff City in the next few years…..

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE BEST WONDERKIDS!

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Rhys Abbruzzese

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Rhys joined Cardiff City's Academy at under-9 level and has been capped by Wales in the Victory Shield during the past two seasons.

In addition, he has also been capped at U19 level for his country and is regarded to be a very competent, tenacious left-back who is particularly adept at one on one situations.

Rhys has played at under-18 and under-21 level for the Bluebirds during the current campaign and has already signed his first professional deal with Cardiff City.

Mark Harris

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Harris is a talented and athletic attacking midfield player with a creative edge and eye for a goal.

Since joining the Academy at a young age, Mark has grown into an intelligent and exciting player -representing the U18’s consistently during the 2014/15 season.

He has also appeared for Wales at U16 & U17 level, signing his apprenticeship with the Bluebirds in last summer.

Lloyd Humphries

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Lloyd signed his scholarship agreement with the Bluebirds at the age of 15, overcoming a cruciate ligament injury before starting his two-year apprenticeship.

The Neath-born midfielder has scored a number of exceptional goals throughout his time with Cardiff City, including a double against Bristol City in the FA Youth Cup Third Round in December last year, as well as a superb long range wonder strike against Sheffield United last month.

As well as his goal-scoring prowess, the Wales U19 international is known for his long-range passing.

Humphries looks to have a big future at the club and will aim to follow the example of his close friend, Joe Ralls.

Connor Young

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Connor has had the best role model possible in his footballing career, as he is the son of Bluebirds legend Scott Young.

Connor joined the Bluebirds Academy in 2012 and has gradually grown into a reliable, composed, consistent central defender.

With positive aerial attributes and confident in possession, the talented player makes defending look easy and reads the game effectively.

As Scott Young has a coaching role at the club, he could introduce his son to the first-team set up when he feels that he is ready to take on the tough nature of the Championship.

Jamie Bird

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The striker signed his apprenticeship deal at the relatively young age of 15. He has a great deal of pace and is technically very good with a range of ball striking abilities.

Jamie overcame a stress fracture before starting his apprenticeship, but has been involved with City’s Academy set up since the age of eight and is still showing huge amount of potential.

Following a excellent season, Jamie has recently signed his first professional deal with Cardiff City Football Club and looks to be a exciting prospect for the future.

Cardiff fans.. Will these young Bluebirds flourish in years to come? Should they be given a run-out in pre season to prove their worth to Russell Slade? Let us know what you think of these players in your thoughts and opinions below!