Callum Jones, Dean Ager and Ollie Kensdale have been offered deals to stay at Colchester United again next season.
All three have been full time apprentices for the past two years, and have been given the opportunity to continue their football education here in north Essex.
Appearances have been plentiful for them in the U23s during the 2017/18 campaign, and it is hoped that they can follow in the footsteps of Tariq Issa, Eoin McKeown and Diaz Wright in pushing for a first team squad place.
Academy Manager Jon De Souza praised the trio for impressing enough to be offered their extensions, saying: "All three have been with the club a good while and the attitude and application they have shown has been first class throughout that time.
"They have played with the U18s, the U23s, and have also been out on loan, and have taken each step comfortably and have the potential to get into the first team.
"That is why they have been offered contracts and the aim is to see them in our first team squad in the next couple of years."
There are players that won't be with the U's for the coming season though, with five second years being told that they are being released.
On their departure from the club, De Souza said: "We have worked with these players day in, day out for the past two years so it is the most difficult job to give them the news that they won't be staying with us."
"The decisions are made for the good of both parties though, and we thank them for all their hard work and wish them well for the future, whether that be in football or another career they wish to pursue"
The five players released are George Phillips, Rob Howard, George Keys, Cabhan Clarke and Shakeem Ferlisi and Colchester United would like to echo Jon's thanks and good wishes for the future .