The 18-year-old, who was born in Enfield, arrived at Compton Park at just 12 years of age following a newly-devised national recruitment strategy which brought increased diversity to the academy groups.
After signing a two-year scholarship in July 2021, Mabete was recognised at international level with an England under-17 training camp call-up the following month.
He has since established himself as a leader of the under-18s this season, captaining from the heart of the defence, as well as featuring in fixtures for James Collins’ under-21s in all four competitions.
Jon Hunter-Barrett, academy manager for football, said: “Fil is another one that we’re delighted to get done and it’s something that he thoroughly deserves.”
“He’s grown up and developed so much as a person since we signed him and we’ve watched him mature mentally, physically, technically and tactically. He’s also turned into a leader within the under-18s ahead of his transition to the under-21s.”
While Hunter-Barrett has been delighted with Mabete’s development as both a player and person in recent years, he has pinpointed a plan for the defender which he hopes will see him advance further and reach his full potential in the old gold.
“He’s a big, powerful boy and first came in as a midfield player before progressing to become a centre half – we felt he had some longer term potential in that position.”
“He’s picking up a lot of great experiences along the way and has had opportunities to lead. Fil’s plan for the next year is to get himself into the under-21s team and sustain a position there.”