HARTPURY footballer O’Rian Reid has taken the next step in his career after signing a professional contract with League One club Barnsley.

The 18-year-old forward has joined the Tykes on a one-year deal and will link up with the club’s Under-21 squad for the 2026/27 season after impressing during a pre-season trial.

Reid’s move to Oakwell caps a rise through college, non-league and senior football, having recently completed his Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Sport (Football) at Hartpury.

He was a regular starter and goalscorer for Hartpury’s Junior One’s side and also forced his way into the Hartpury FC first team, making his Step Four debut in a 3-0 away victory over Mousehole AFC last season.

Reid represented Hartpury’s Under-18s and found the net against Cheltenham Town in the FA Youth Cup, while his performances earned him representative honours with both England Schools and England Colleges.

His development has also included experience in local non-league football. Reid began at Step Seven with Gloucester side Gala Wilton before spending the latter part of the 2025/26 campaign with Hellenic League Premier Division club Lydney Town.

He had previously earned a trial with Hull City after being identified through the EFL Exit Trials programme.

Hartpury College Football Manager Spencer Hamilton said Reid’s professional deal was a reward for two years of development.

“The opportunity is thoroughly deserved. O’Rian has developed tremendously during his time at Hartpury, both as a player and as a young man, and it has been a pleasure to support him throughout that process,” he said.

“To see a player come into our programme, commit to two years of hard work and development, and ultimately earn a professional contract is exactly what the programme is all about.

“He has shown a great attitude, a willingness to learn and the desire to keep improving, and those qualities have played a big part in getting him to this point.

“We are extremely proud of the progress he has made and delighted that he now has the chance to continue that journey at Barnsley.”

Barnsley Academy Manager Bobby Hassell described Reid as a quick, aggressive forward with a work ethic and an eye for goal.

He said the Yorkshire club had monitored the teenager for some time, with Reid first brought to their attention by Non-League Gems.

Hassell praised Hartpury for providing an environment in which Reid had been able to develop as both a footballer and a person.

The youngster will now work under former Barnsley player Nicky Eaden in the club’s Under-21 set-up as he looks to continue his progression towards senior professional football.

Hamilton added: “Everyone at Hartpury wishes O’Rian every success for the future. We’re really looking forward to seeing how far he can go.”

For Reid, the move represents the latest landmark in a rapid rise from local non-league football to the professional game, with Barnsley believing his senior experience and willingness to learn give him the foundations to take another significant step in his career.