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Home , Alex Mowatt, Ben Chilwell, Ben Godfrey, David Worrall, Flynn Clarke, John Stones

#42 AUG 21 2020/21 REVIEW

#42 AUG 21 A total of 33 apprentices WRITTEN BY JACK WYLIE | DESIGN BY ICG received recognition for their outstanding efforts on and off the pitch last season by being named in LFE’s ‘The 11’.

Careers Warren Sung Liam Ravenhill Assessment Trials LFE learners can NOV Accrington Stanley Doncaster Rovers LFE’s Assessment Trials took take advantage 2020 of employment Matthew Cox Fraser Alexander place at the end of June, opportunities thanks to AFC Wimbledon Ipswich Town featuring players from EFL, LFE’s partnerships with and National Charlie Wood Henry Popple a variety of different Bradford City Middlesbrough League clubs who were organisations. released in 2020 and 2021. Browse the range of Charlie Barker Mason McLean Full highlights from all nine exciting pathways at Charlton Athletic Queens Park Rangers matches at three regional lfe.org.uk/careers Harrison Nee Nigel Aris venues can be viewed on Coventry City Shrewsbury Town LFE’s Trials YouTube page. Visit LFE Transition www.youtube.com/c/lfetrialstv Alex Matthews Officer Derby County Individual player highlight Academy players can packages are available to seek information, advice players free of charge via LFE’s and guidance regarding Hudl Recruitment page. More alternative options at Dylan Adjei-Hersey Ollie Bate information can be found at any time from LFE’s FEB AFC Wimbledon Millwall lfe.org.uk/careers/hudl Transition Officer, 2021 Rob Apter Bryan Ly Anthony Cato. Blackpool Morecambe Contact him at [email protected] Olivier Sukinniecki Flynn Clarke Bradford City Peterborough United Higher Education Louis Chadwick Luke Chambers All LFE apprentices Cambridge United Port Vale can pursue a route to Nohan Kenneh Jacob Holland- university in the UK or United Wilkinson LFE has introduced an Alumni Player The PFA’s Education Team provide abroad if they achieve Preston North End Voice initiative, offering a safe space guidance and funding for educational the required academic Josh Scott for past apprentices to talk about and vocational courses that support qualifications. Mansfield Town their experiences, best practice and personal development and transition Download our areas for improvement in regard to towards a second career. informative guides to transition support provided by clubs PFA members can also receive support Higher Education or USA and wider organisations. in attaining FA and UEFA qualifications, Scholarships at MAY Saleem Akanbi Antony Papadopoulos If you would like to contribute, which are often mandatory requirements lfe.org.uk/touchline- Cambridge United Leyton Orient contact Kelly Butterworth, Projects when applying for jobs in coaching and downloads 2021 James Beadle Casey Pettit

[email protected] ( ) management within professional football. lfe.org.uk

lfe.org.uk Charlton Athletic Luton Town American Scholarships A guide for players, parents and guardians or LFE Communications For more information, For entry in 2021 Higher Education Applications Connor O’Riordan Josh Coburn ([email protected]). A guide for players, parents and guardians visit thepfa.com/players/education For entry in 2021 Crewe Alexandra Middlesbrough Evan Khouri Andre da Silva Mendes Grimsby Town Morecambe Nicholas Bilokapic Eddie Brearey Huddersfield Town Oxford United Louis Beckett Hull City

2 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 3 2020/21 REVIEW 2020/21 REVIEW Academy Leagues Winners 2020/21

2020/21 EFL Youth Alliance North West Fleetwood Town Almost 45,000 votes were cast Several current and former EFL Youth Alliance North East across nine LFE Goal of the Month LFE apprentices were recognised Notts County competitions during the 2020/21 in this year’s EFL Awards, across campaign. The winners, along with a variety of categories. EFL Youth Alliance South West a ‘best runner-up’ selected by LFE, Peterborough United qualified for Goal of the Season, with EFL Youth Alliance South East nearly 7,500 votes being recorded. LFE Championship Oxford United Apprentice of the Season EFL Youth Alliance Hassan Ayari Will Trueman | Sheffield Wednesday 1ST Sheffield United Southern Merit League One September Winner LFE League One Plymouth Argyle Apprentice of the Season EFL Youth Alliance Liam Thomas Lewis Johnson | Milton Keynes Dons 2ND Shrewsbury Town Southern Merit League Two October Winner LFE League Two Southend United Apprentice of the Season Jamal Salawu EFL Youth Alliance Felix Miles | Cheltenham Town 3RD Plymouth Argyle Southern Merit League Three May Winner Sky Bet League One AFC Bournemouth Rob Apter Player of the Season EFL Youth Alliance Cup 4TH Blackpool Jonson Clarke-Harris | Coventry City – Rochdale AFC January Winner now Peterborough United U18 Professional Development Elijah Coe PFA Player in the Community League North 5TH Oxford United Will Vaulks | Tranmere Rovers – now City Wigan Athletic November Winner Sky Bet Championship Team of the Year U18 Professional Development Haroon Salah Max Aarons | Norwich City League South 6TH Rotherham United Charlton Athletic December Winner Sean Morrison | Swindon Town – now Cardiff City | Leeds United – now U18 Professional Development Max McMillan | Northampton Town – now Brentford League National Play-offs 7TH Leeds United Wigan Athletic March Winner Sky Bet League One Team of the Year U18 Premier League North Matt Reed | Sheffield Wednesday – Manchester City 8TH Bristol Rovers now Peterborough United LFE ‘Best Runner-up’ Lee Burge | Coventry City – now Sunderland U18 Premier League South Jonson Clarke-Harris | Coventry City – Fulham Daniel Jebbison now Peterborough United Sheffield United U18 Premier League National Play-offs 9TH Luke O’Nien | Watford – now Sunderland April Winner Manchester City Charlie Wyke | Middlesbrough – now Sunderland Ollie Bate U18 Premier League Cup 10TH Millwall Sky Bet League Two Team of the Year Manchester City February Winner Will Boyle | Huddersfield Town – FA Youth Cup now Cheltenham Town Aston Villa Click here to view all of this Matt Jay | Exeter City season’s goals on LFETV David Worrall | Bury – now Port Vale

4 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 5 If football has taught Bobby Copping anything, it is resilience.

As a 16-year-old, he was released by his boyhood club, Norwich City, and moved over 200 miles up north to sign as an apprentice at Bury. Following a promising first season, his time at was brought to an abrupt end when the club’s financial difficulties led to expulsion from the EFL. And the cruellest test of all came in February, when Copping made the heartbreaking decision to retire from playing after suffering a recurring head injury that left him with impaired vision and numbness on the left side of his body.

6 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 7 “I’ve had to deal with quite a lot “I talk about the highs and lows “All I want to do is help people Sheffield United, to name just of hardship over the past few of my career and the strategies and show that it’s possible to a few. years and I could’ve gone down I used to overcome the use a negative situation to gain Defender Copping was also a really dark path,” he told LFE. obstacles. a positive outcome.” handed a lifeline at a higher “You hear stories of people that “I received one message from a Copping had spent nine years level, bouncing back from his drift towards drugs, alcohol, kid who said that he had been in Norwich’s academy before second significant setback in crime and that could’ve suicidal, but after listening being released, but brushed off 18 months. been me. to how I’d dealt with my the rejection quickly, turning He said: “I had offers from “Having to retire from situation, it gave him a different down interest from Luton Town Sunderland and Peterborough something I love and something perspective and basically saved in favour of a move to Bury. United, and then I’d also been I’ve worked for my whole life his life. “It was a great club; Bury was like on trial for a week at Brighton, has been incredibly tough. After “To read that and know I’ve a family,” he said. “The Under- although unfortunately I didn’t I’d made the decision, I sat already been able to make 18s were doing so well, reaching get offered anything from them. in my room with the curtains an impact on someone is the quarter finals of the Youth “I did consider Sunderland as a closed, I turned my phone off absolutely brilliant. Cup and only losing to Liverpool. good option, but Peterborough and didn’t message anyone for just made me feel wanted. The about two weeks. gaffer, , pulled “I was ordering takeaway me in for a chat and went after takeaway. Anyone that “All I want to do is help people and show through clips of me, saying knows me is aware that I love what I do well and what he going to the gym, but I lost all wanted me to improve on. As motivation, even though I had that it’s possible to use a negative a 17-year-old kid at the time, equipment in my living room. I for the first-team manager to look back now and feel grateful be explaining exactly why he that I had a lot of support and situation to gain a positive outcome.” wanted to sign me, I couldn’t was able to find a way out of go anywhere else.” the darkness.” “To go from that to not getting The young centre-back Six months on from his paid and not knowing if we’d wasted no time in making an premature retirement, the still have a job was extremely impression at his new club, 19-year-old is using his tough. earning a senior debut in experience to help others “I remember on the last the EFL Trophy just a month via the Bobby Copping day, we were sitting in the after penning his professional Foundation, which aims to canteen waiting for news of contract, while he was an provide emotional support a new chairman. It got to the unused substitute in Sky and guidance to players, their evening and there were still Bet League One before the families and staff involved in no developments. For the 2019/20 campaign was brought elite sport. first-team players that had to a halt due to the Covid-19 “One thing I’ve learned is that families and mortgages to pay, outbreak. you’re going to encounter it must’ve been even worse, “Just before the pandemic hit, adversity at various points in but for us younger lads, we’d I was playing really well and time, whether it’s in football or lost our club and there was a knocking on the door of the everyday life, and you’ve got to chance we’d lost our careers.” first team,” Copping continued. maintain a positive outlook to As a Category Three academy, “I was probably talking to the overcome it,” said Copping. the Shakers were punching manager a couple of times a “Having struggled mentally, I above their weight. week, asking him how I could wanted to share my story to Aaron Skinner moved on to make that next step. people who might be in a Tottenham Hotspur, Callum “During lockdown, I made a similar position to where I’ve Hulme signed for Leicester City, commitment to take my fitness been, so over the past few Saul Shotton found a home at to the next level. I gained 14kg months, I’ve been up and down West Bromwich Albion, Joe of muscle and I returned to the country delivering talks to Adams departed for Brentford training in the best shape of clubs and schools. and Femi Seriki earned a deal at my life.”

8 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 9 However, Copping’s career took Generous contributions have towards the setting up costs an unexpected turn when a allowed the initiative to grow, that are involved with trying to routine header caused a loss of including donations from register a charity.” sight, which proved to be the Chelsea and legend Copping’s determined mindset start of a torrid journey. John Terry, who auctioned a has enabled him to quickly “It was a hot day and I thought range of souvenirs and items establish a new route to success I might be dehydrated, so I which raised over £7,000. off the pitch, while he is also just said to the coach that I “I received messages from all self-aware of his emotional needed a drink and then I’d be over the world,” he said. “I well-being. alright,” he said. “I completed had hundreds of requests on “It’s been a crazy few months, the session with probably 10% Instagram, I was getting loads dealing with being in the of my vision. of emails and I had letters being public eye and handling all “Afterwards, I walked into the sent to Peterborough’s training the attention,” the Mintridge physio room and that’s when ground. Foundation ambassador said. the left side of my body started “That response gave me the “I’m making great strides in my to go numb. I went to hospital motivation to give something career, but I’ve also made sure and they thought it was a back, so I decided to run 18km that I’ve given myself time to concussion. It took me five every day in April in support of look after my mental health. months to gradually build back Mind, after seeing a statistic “It’s common for people to go up to a point where I was ready that on average there are 18 through something traumatic to play my first 90 minutes deaths due to suicide per day. and do so much stuff to keep it against Luton Under-23s. I raised over £1,000. off their mind, then later down “But in the warm-up before that “After that, Kayleigh and I the line it suddenly hits them. game, the exact same thing discussed the idea of the I’ve tried to be open and honest happened, where I went up for a foundation. She recently about my feelings and doing my header, landed and couldn’t see. became a fully qualified talks has helped me to do that. This time was much worse, and I counsellor and one of our “Sometimes you might feel down, had to be carried off the pitch. ambitions is to offer a free of you might have a cry, but that’s “The club have been amazing I want to do with my future “I’m really busy, but it’s exciting,” “I was in hospital having all sorts charge counselling service for part of the process of dealing to me,” he added. “The gaffer career.” the Essex-born teenager said. of different procedures and they people in need. with it. I’m effectively grieving let me go home for as long as “I’ve got two main goals at the thought I might’ve had a mini Having identified business and “There are some really nice for the loss of my career. Some I needed and then I messaged moment, which are to either stroke. It was a scary time and I coaching as his two preferred people in the world and every people are quite scared to talk the Academy Manager, Kieran become a first-team manager or remember being stood outside pathways, Copping juggles donation we’ve received to me about it, but I try to make Scarff, asking what they could a sporting director, so to have the hospital crying my eyes out, his time as Head of Schools has helped us to progress, it a normal topic of conversation. offer me. He came back with the chance to gain experience because I’d been told I couldn’t Initiatives, Operations Manager whether it’s been used to buy Everything happens for a reason multiple suggestions, so they’d and qualifications in both areas play football again.” of the women’s team, Under- equipment for talks, organising and I’m moving forward on the taken the time to think about 14s Assistant Manager and is amazing. Copping was sent to see a the counselling service or put path that I’m meant to be on.” where I could fit in. Head of Affiliations. “It’s been five or six months since specialist, but after failed “I spoke about what direction I retired, so to be in the position attempts to find a suitable Additionally, he is using his I felt I wanted to go and they I’m in already in such a short medication, the decision was spare time to achieve several actually created a new Business space of time is fantastic and made to protect his long-term qualifications, completing Operations position for me to I couldn’t have done any of it health and avoid any more scouting courses with S4 take on. I’m now doing four without all the help I’ve had.” trauma triggering episodes. Scouting, becoming a fully roles, with the club giving me all qualified Personal Trainer via He also received an outpouring The youngster credits these different responsibilities The Fitness Circle and being of support from the general Peterborough for supporting to gain experience. accepted onto the UEFA B public after his injury woes were him throughout the tough times, “The plan is that in a year or two, Coaching course, while he is revealed, with people’s kindness allowing an extended leave I can make an informed decision also starting a Masters in Sports encouraging Copping to create before designing a plan for him on what route I want to pursue Business Management with the his own charity, alongside to remain at the club in various full-time. They’ve given me the Sports Institute of Barcelona in Peterborough’s Player Care different capacities. platform to learn exactly what the autumn. Manager Kayleigh Stent.

10 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 11 3 6 1 1 Players Appearances Player Appearance 5 16 74 123 Players Appearances Players Appearances 20 83 10 12 Players Appearances Players Appearances 16 43 20 20 Players Appearances Players Appearances

apprentices featured Most Apprentices 111 for their club’s first team. Used 8

of those players were Most Apprentice 94 senior debutants. Debutants 7

first second Most Apprentice 22 years 89 years Appearances 45

clubs gave Most Individual apprentices Appearances 42 first-team action. Kwadwo LFE APPRENTICES WERE GIVEN Baah total appearances (ROCHDALE) 34 PLENTY OF FIRST-TEAM OPPORTUNITIES across eight DURING THE 2020/21 SEASON 304 competitions.

appearances in 277 EFL competitions.

12 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 13 Over the course of a couple of months, the Morecambe academy graduate became overwhelmed by exam pressure, was uncertain about his future in football having been released by Preston North End, and then spent Christmas Eve mourning the untimely death of his grandmother. Now 18, O’Brien recently shared his mental health story in a video called ‘The Walk’, in which he reveals how he experienced and overcame the most difficult day of his life. “I went through a very bad stage with my mental health in Year 11, where every day I woke up thinking that I didn’t want to wake up,” he told LFE. “The Walk focuses on one of the main stages of my journey, when I left my house with the intention of never coming back. “As sad as it sounds, that’s what I was feeling and what I wanted to do. I’d describe it as a civil In the UK, suicide is the single biggest killer war in my own head, between my good and bad of young people under the age of 25, with thoughts, where the bad thoughts were winning. A lot of things that were bothering me suddenly men statistically being three times more added up and I didn’t talk to anyone about it, so likely to take their own lives than women. it all just built up into one big fireball. “That day of the walk is where it all exploded and I was done with bottling up all the sadness. I went Harry O’Brien knows he could have been from my house towards a nearby field and a lot part of that statistic, after his mental health of emotions were going through my head at the struggles came to a head in January 2019. time. It was a scary situation. “I messaged a few of my friends to say sorry and goodbye, but fortunately they got in contact with my dad. I answered a call from him and burst out crying and ended up waiting for him to pick me up. I’m happy to have made it through the other side and it’s made me a lot stronger as a person.” The poignant video, published in March, has gained nearly 70,000 views on O’Brien’s Instagram page, receiving engagement from the likes of Little Mix star Perrie Edwards, Soccer AM host John ‘Fenners’ Fendley and Love Island contestants Kem Cetinay and Curtis Pritchard. “When the video came out, I had a lovely response,” he continued. “It was a bit overwhelming really. I had a lot of things on my mind for a long time in a negative way, so when my thoughts started to turn more positive, I wanted to spread that.

14 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 15 “It was hard to open up and tell my story in that Determined to make a difference, he has Having tackled his mental health demons and way, but it needs to be recognised that it’s appeared as a guest on a handful of mental found a way to move forward, O’Brien’s future is normal to feel sad sometimes. That message is health podcasts, raised money for suicide looking bright. Despite completing his two years often promoted when it’s too late. I’m trying to prevention charity PAPYRUS and recently at Sky Bet League One newcomers Morecambe be proactive about spreading awareness, so that returned to St. Mary’s Catholic High School to without a professional contract, he is ready to “people are going it can hopefully stop someone before they spiral share his story with current pupils. embark on the next phase of his life after earning to a point of no return. I’ve already had messages “People are always going to suffer with mental a soccer scholarship at Jefferson College in from people saying that hearing my story has health because life can be challenging at times, Missouri, USA. to help you if you helped them. whether you’re involved in football or not,” said “It’s an exciting opportunity for me to improve “The worst thing I did was think that people would O’Brien. “The target is for more people to be as a person and a player by experiencing a new judge me. I used to feel that they’d think I’m aware of how to handle it, or see signs to notice country and getting a degree while playing weird or not normal because I was upset about in others, by making it more commonly spoken full-time football,” he said. “I’m going to a junior open up, because something. That’s the biggest message I’d say about in general conversations. college, so I’ll be there for two years and then I’ll to anyone – people are going to help you if you “There has been a stigma attached to men transfer to a larger university after that. open up, because it’s normal.” struggling with their emotions and historically “I was planning it around Christmas time and In the months that followed his darkest day, they’ve been told to ‘man up’. It’s time to then I was all sorted by March. Working out my it’s normal.” O’Brien developed a close bond with his school normalise opening up and the fact that it doesn’t next step early helped me to enjoy my final few Chaplain and was also referred to CAMHS – an make you weak, it makes you strong to have the months at Morecambe. It felt like there was less NHS service that assesses and treats young courage to admit your struggles. pressure on me and I was almost like a kid again, people with emotional or mental health “I was walking to school with my head down and just enjoying my football. difficulties. my hood up, with the mindset that if I can’t see “The apprenticeship has really helped me to However, it was during his time at the Shrimps people, then they can’t see me. I got kicked out mature as a person. I’ve been around first- when the teenage goalkeeper started to truly of a GCSE mock exam for falling asleep, because team training and learned about how to be come to terms with his feelings, via support from I was so exhausted from not being able to sleep a professional, I’ve become more resilient by The PFA. and just crying for hours the previous night. experiencing ups and downs and it has set me “School were really supportive and I appreciate “It got to the point where I risked my own life on my way to the next chapter of my life by them a lot,” he added. “I had a specialist with instead of speaking out. Things could’ve panned giving me the chance to go over to America. CAMHS and counselling with school, but I wasn’t out differently for me and it doesn’t need to “Now I’m excited to start a new adventure and really ready to open up yet, so I didn’t get the get to that stage for someone to start making see where it takes me.” most out of it. improvements to their mental health. That’s why “When I joined Morecambe, I still wasn’t okay. I’m determined to spread my story.” One day, I was in the gym and I just broke down crying. I spoke to my coach, Neil Wainwright, and told him that I needed help. “Within a few days, we’d been in touch with The PFA and they’d set me up with a counsellor. I met with someone once a week for a couple of months to have a chat, usually having a walk along the beach at Morecambe Bay, and it was really refreshing. “Being able to talk things through with a professional helped me start to feel like myself again. You sometimes hear bad things about football and that there can be a lack of support, but it’s definitely available if you ask for it. Even my grandad, who’s in his 80s, is still a PFA member and is currently receiving support with his healthcare.” Click here to watch ‘The Walk’ The resilient youngster is hoping that the progress he has made since unloading his emotional stresses can inspire others in a similar mental state to seek support.

16 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 17 THE PFA Safety Net

Helping young players with the challenges of playing Academy football.

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18 Touchline AUG 21 advice, support & videos. AUG 21 Touchline 19 Will Trueman SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

Throughout his apprenticeship, Steven Haslam, Academy Manager, Will Trueman has been a great said: “Will is an outstanding young ambassador for Sheffield man and has continued his excellent Will is an outstanding Wednesday, showcasing development throughout the tremendous professionalism apprenticeship. He is a valuable young man and has continued on and off the pitch. player in our youth team and has The young has overcome stepped up to form part of our his excellent development injury setbacks to make positive Under-23 squad during his second strides as a player this season, year on the programme. throughout the apprenticeship. becoming a natural leader for the “Will is highly regarded by players Under-18s and progressing into the and staff at the club. He is testament Under-23 group. to our values of developing good The Owls teenager, whose great APPRENTICE In the classroom, Trueman has players and good people. It’s great uncle was the late Fred Trueman achieved the highest possible grade for the academy for one of our OBE, has not allowed his footballing OF THE SEASON profile of D*D*D* on the BTEC players to be recognised with this talent to stop his studies and Extended Diploma – equivalent to award. It credits all the hard work commitment to education, achieving three A-Levels – while he is one of that goes on by so many staff behind exceptionally high marks and the first apprentices in the country the scenes.” even being named Head Boy at St to undertake and complete the new Youth Coach Andy Sharp added: ’s Catholic High School. Sporting Excellence Professional “Will has had a progressive and Trueman was described by staff as “a (SEP) qualification. positive second year of his fantastic student and a bright boy Additionally, the 18-year-old has scholarship, experiencing some with a promising future, who has made an impact in the community, challenges in relation to form and represented the school on many representing the club in distributing injury that he has worked levels.” Christmas hampers at a homeless to overcome. Head of Education & Welfare Dan charity, while he also completed “He has recently put a significant Potts said: “Will achieved excellent a three-year school project that amount of effort into developing GCSE grades and we identified him resulted in him conducting charity his physicality by engaging in as a learner who was able to take work in Lesotho, Africa. extra strength and conditioning the BTEC Extended Diploma. He has “It’s great to win this award, I’m really training, which he will see the worked hard during the course and happy,” said Trueman. “I was glad to benefits of. Will is developing his achieved his target grades, which are be nominated by the club, but for understanding of the in and out of the highest possible. the judging panel to have chosen me possession principles of the game “He is always willing to help staff as the winner is brilliant. and understands the importance of and the other players and has having clarity around expectations been an excellent role model for “All my family are really proud. As on him in these areas before a game. soon as I was told, I rang my mum the new apprentices who joined and she was buzzing. The education “His attitude has been consistently this season, under very challenging side is really important for me as it outstanding during a challenging times. Will has shown he is as driven helps you focus on your football as period, he has always been receptive off the pitch to all elements of the well, when you know you’ve done a of feedback and seeks to develop his education and Life Skills good job with your studies.” understanding further.” programme as he is on the pitch.”

20 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 21 LEWIS JOHNSON FELIX MILES MILTON KEYNES DONS CHELTENHAM TOWN

Milton Keynes Dons starlet Lewis “He works extremely hard, asks Felix Miles has excelled in all areas “The professionals love training with Johnson has enjoyed a magnificent questions and shows dedication of his apprenticeship, having already him because he is very creative and season as a first-year apprentice, to learning as much as he can He works extremely hard, made his professional debut, while always taking risks, which is rare Felix’s attitude, application, featuring nine times for the every time he trains. He has spent also progressing well on the BTEC in a young player. He works very senior team and earning his a lot of time with the first-team asks questions and shows Extended Diploma and Sporting hard, he’s polite and is always doing work rate and sheer desire first professional contract. squad because of all of these Excellence Professional (SEP). extra to try and improve. I have It is not just on the pitch where attributes and is a real example to dedication to learning as much The Cheltenham Town teenager enjoyed having him in the first-team to succeed is phenomenal. he has found success, with the his peers in terms of his behaviour, reached double figures in front environment and he is there on 17-year-old producing quality work professionalism and mindset.” as he can every time he trains. of goal for the youth team during merit due to his playing ability.” on a consistent basis on the BTEC Johnson displays incredible hunger the 2020/21 season, establishing The talented midfielder has and not only cope, but strive and Extended Diploma and Sporting and desire to excel academically, himself as an influential figure in the showcased tremendous resilience succeed, is testament to him as a Excellence Professional (SEP), as highlighted by his willingness to open a conscientious and hardworking side despite only being a first-year and strength of character to reach person.” learner, who displays an excellent well as undertaking the National communication with his new BTEC apprentice. this stage in his career, having Miles’ commitment to education has level of motivation in all aspects of Citizen Service programme – a Tutors before starting the programme Seventeen-year-old Miles was missed a lot of football over the seen him achieve in the classroom, the course. four-week course that provides last summer, in order to get a head- rewarded with a first-team years due to suffering from an extra too, gaining distinction grades in the opportunity for young people start on his studies. “Lewis is very mature in his approach opportunity in December, when he bone growth in his foot, as well all of his assignments so far. In to overcome their fears, make new The exciting winger was Head Boy to everything he does. The way he appeared for the final quarter of an as being diagnosed with Chronic addition, he has delivered a number friends and gain new skills. at his old school and has revisited has managed to balance his studies hour of a Papa John’s Trophy defeat Fatigue Syndrome. of training sessions to the Under-9s “It’s a great feeling to win this to present the end of year awards, to maintain the best standard of to Portsmouth. Pete Haynes, Lead PDP Coach, said: to support them in their football work, together with also regularly award,” Johnson said. “I must thank as well as supporting events to “I feel really honoured to receive this “I have known Felix for the past nine development and also read to local training and playing with the first my family, first and foremost. I’d complement other schoolboys’ award,” he said. “It’s been a really years after he joined as an Under-9. primary school children over Zoom team, before being handed a also like to thank Jon Goodman learning and development. great year for me. I’ve played a lot of Throughout his time with the club, on World Book Day. professional contract, has been (Academy Manager) for guiding Nathan Flynn, BTEC Course Leader games, got a nice number of goals Felix has been an exceptional young Academy Manager Antoine nothing short of exemplary.” me along the right path, as well at MK College, said: “As with any and assists, and it’s been positive man who has dealt with ups and Thompson added: “Felix’s technical as Jackie Bushell (Academy Head apprentice, the transition from Meanwhile, Academy Operations overall. downs, both inside and outside play has been a pleasure to watch, of Education) for making sure I & Head of Education Bushell said: of football, with great maturity, school environment into balancing “Coming in every day and training with his tricks and outrageous goals stayed on top of my schoolwork and “Lewis has shown an awareness resilience and always with a smile on football and education is often and making that step up to be an over the years. performed to the best of my ability. to develop himself in terms of his face. difficult. However, for Lewis, it apprentice has been really good. The “He’s trained with the first team all individual and team performance, “I would like to thank my teammates, seemed almost second nature. transition from Under-16s, where I “Felix’s attitude, application, work season and made his debut for the and has supported the schoolboys’ too, for supporting me and putting “His willingness to embrace change didn’t really play too much, to then rate and sheer desire to succeed first team as an Under-17. Most lockdown learning programme, me in the best position to succeed, and adapt to different settings really playing solidly with the Under-18s, is phenomenal – his mentality is importantly, he’s developed into a highlighting his player journey and, of course, Russell Martin for helped to build a culture for the has been really good for me.” stronger than any other young player grounded young man who shows giving me an opportunity to succeed, through an engaging presentation. I have worked with, especially when rest of the group, helping them to Michael Duff, First Team Manager, respect, manners and exemplary learn and grow in the first-team “He is confident, reliable and dealing with the highs and lows adapt and overcome any worries or said: “Felix’s creativity and ability behaviour in our environment and environment.” values feedback. He is a good that come with being a young man anxieties. Lewis’ leadership qualities on the ball caught my eye in pre- the wider community. communicator and has developed finding his way in a very competitive Former First Team Manager Martin have shone through, establishing season and I felt he could cope “As a young man in the workplace, leadership skills, which support environment. added: “Lewis has been a credit to himself as someone who will not with the demands of training with Felix sets an extremely good him in everyday life situations. himself, his family and our academy. only act as a role model to the group, the first team. He has trained with “From his strength and conditioning example and leads his age group Lewis has the strength of character, He has shown very early on in his but also as someone who they can us all season and he is constantly sessions, to his individual work, through his punctuality, work rate determination and knowledge to first year as an apprentice that he look to for support. improving, moving the ball very to performing at high level men’s and the way he embodies the club’s progress through his education has a mindset that sets himself “He is keen to contribute to class well and scoring goals and assists football on work experience, Felix’s values of honesty, integrity and programme to a high level. He is a apart from other players and discussions and is never afraid to ask in training. ability to put his mind to something respect.” great asset to the group.” people his age. for help. Lewis has developed into 22 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 23 As a schoolboy, Casey Pettit began his journey in academy football at his beloved West Ham United before moving on to bitter rivals Millwall, but was left without a scholarship offer in 2019.

Not to be deterred, he continued to pursue his dream and quickly caught the attention of Luton Town, who jumped at the chance to recruit the promising midfielder following a two-week trial. Since then, the 18-year-old has proved to be an all-round high achiever, captaining the Under-18s and Under-21s sides, alongside exceeding his target grades with a D*D*D* profile on the BTEC Extended Diploma and finishing the Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) programme. “I joined Luton at the back end of the Under-16 season, and I’ve loved every minute of being here,” Pettit told LFE. “From day one, I’ve tried to separate myself from the rest of the group by being more than just a footballer. “There’s the playing side, where obviously I want to be a leader on the pitch, but it’s also important to set the standard off the pitch, whether that’s in the classroom or wider activities. Doing that maximises my own development and then also encourages the rest of the lads to push themselves, so we can all improve as a unit. “I always had in my mind when working on the BTEC or SEP, ‘how can I relate this to my football’? There’s a lot of information on the BTEC that you can absorb and then use to improve your own performance. In the SEP, you’re analysing your clips, identifying strengths and weaknesses and setting targets, so it keeps you on track and self-aware of your development.”

24 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 25 “When I’m working with teams, I’m seeing the game from a different perspective and it’s improving my tactical knowledge. I can also understand my coaches better and what they’re asking of us in certain sessions and drills. “It’s important to consider, can you add something else into your routine that relieves the pressure from football for a while, can you invest time into an interest that can also give you transferable skills and help you improve as a player, and can you work on something that can act as preparation for life after playing?” The Hatters starlet continues to be a shining example to his peers outside of football as well, having raised money for a range of local and national causes, including Prostate Cancer UK and the NHS. “My number one aim as a footballer is to become a role model,” Pettit continued. “I want people to look up to me for the right reasons. Seeing players like and inspiring people for their work off the pitch motivates me to replicate what they’re doing and keep helping causes that I believe in. “My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in In addition to his classroom commitments, “I also coach four teams, which range from Under-12s 2012, and thanks to the support and treatment Pettit, who penned a professional contract at to Under-14s. The apprenticeship offers different of Prostate Cancer UK, he’s still here today. I’ve “The apprenticeship offers different the completion of his apprenticeship in July, has opportunities and pathways, and coaching is one always wanted to repay the charity for everything utilised his spare time to initiate a second career that I’ve discovered a real passion for.” they did for him, so I feel strongly about making opportunities and pathways, pathway. Pettit has received loyal support from his growing my mark and helping people. The multifaceted teenager runs his own coaching clientele, with some travelling from Luton to “When I was younger, I was a big West Ham fan and coaching is one that I’ve company away from the Sky Bet Championship his local field in Essex. And despite his playing and went to a lot of the games, so after the final club, working with individuals and teams, and progress, the first-year professional is keen to whistle, I’d go down to the players’ car park discovered a real passion for.” is currently studying for his UEFA B Coaching continue his coaching project, which he insists is and take a shirt or a ball or something like that, qualification, remaining on course to become one aiding his football development. and just get the players to sign them. Then, I’d of the youngest people to attain it. “I take it as a huge compliment that they’re willing auction those items off for charity. He said: “Football won’t last forever, even if you to go that far to receive coaching from me,” he “Isla’s Fight is another cause that I’ve raised do get a professional contract and have a good added. “The relationships I’ve built with the money for, in support of a little girl who has career in the game, so it takes the pressure off parents and their kids are too strong to let go of. a rare type of child cancer. We tend to take me now, knowing I’ve got qualifications under Having put so much work into developing these being healthy for granted and it’s important to my belt. players, it’d be a shame to just leave that now. recognise people’s struggle. “When we did the Level 2 badge as part of the “Playing is my number one priority, but you also “More recently, it’s been a time to show education programme, I never had it in my mind need a distraction and a release to keep your appreciation to key workers that have been that I wanted to be a coach, but while I was doing mind refreshed, and I’ve found that coaching can trying to save lives throughout the pandemic. the course, I found that I really enjoyed it and actually enhance my performance on the pitch. I felt it was only right that I made a contribution decided to move on to the UEFA B licence. “As a captain, you need to be a good to show my gratitude to them, so I decided to “I set up my own coaching business to keep communicator and build solid relationships auction a few things off and donate the proceeds developing my skills and get a bit of extra income. with the coaches and players. You’ve got to be to the NHS. I started with one-to-ones, working mainly with approachable and trustworthy, and you need to “I still feel like I can do a lot more and part of the Under-13 to Under-15 age groups, and I’ve got be willing to set standards and be an example motivation to keep progressing in football is that about 10 boys and one or two girls that I work for everyone to follow. Coaching has helped me I can gain a larger following and raise more funds with now. develop those attributes. for those in need.”

26 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 27 Former England forward Paul Stewart delivered safeguarding awareness education, as part of LFE’s Life Skills programme, throughout the 2020/21 season. He has supported academy players, parents, carers and staff across 20 deliveries.

His journey through childhood to The 1991 FA Cup winner also life as a professional footballer works with the EFL and the NSPCC has been well-documented in to provide training to Heads of the news, along with hundreds of Safeguarding and those in other STEWY’S other former footballers who have roles, too. spoken out about the historical “For the first time, we have CEOs, sexual abuse they faced as children. Directors and Board Members on “Since I came forward in 2016, I’ve the course to help them realise that always wanted to try and make a safeguarding has got to be a priority difference,” he told LFE. “People in the club and it is heart-warming might say it was brave, but for me to see,” Stewart added. it was all about trying to make a “We need to understand that you difference and this work I believe can’t cut corners on children’s is making a difference, because safety. The fact that so many it is raising the awareness and people are on these courses is educating the industry.” massive.” SUPPORT Stewart, who played over 500 Earlier this year, The FA published games for the likes of Liverpool, the Sheldon Report, which Manchester City and Tottenham investigated non-recent sexual Hotspur, has undergone rigorous abuse allegations in football. Stewart safeguarding training and is much is one of the survivors to support more than an ex-footballer with the industry in learning from what a victim’s story. He is principled happened. He has also featured in a and adamant that this education three-part BBC documentary called is relevant to the people he is Football’s Darkest Secret and he working with. recently appeared on mainstream He said: “The game has changed news channels. and the sessions incorporate everything from today’s world. I don’t just talk about my experience; I talk about all forms of abuse within the sporting arena. I have to educate, as well as tell my own story, and so it covers social media, consent, isolation, banter, everything we have to be totally aware of to be safe. “The academy players sit and listen and I get questions fired at me about what it was like at Liverpool and how it was for me when the abuse happened. If people are asking questions, people have taken notice.”

28 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 29 "EVERY MEMBER OF STAFF WITHIN THE "The feedback is the ACADEMY WILL HAVE HAD SOME LEVEL highlight, and people OF SAFEGUARDING, SO YOU ARE IN A are still talking to me SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND YOU CAN TALK. about the sessions PLEASE TALK AND DON’T KEEP ANYTHING afterwards. Some have IN LIKE I DID FOR MANY YEARS." had bad experiences and so I can see this is Since I came forward in 2016, I’ve always wanted to try making a difference."

and make a difference. People might say it was brave, "One club said that the next day, in the but for me it was all about trying to make a difference changing room, the staff spent an hour with the players and this work I believe is making a difference, because it discussing the session about how impactful is raising the awareness and educating the industry. and helpful it was."

"THE CHALLENGES WITHIN THE GAME ARE DIFFICULT ENOUGH TO ALSO CARRY ANYTHING ON YOUR SHOULDERS."

"When I look at my career, I didn’t enjoy it and so I try to say, ‘I want you to enjoy this experience and you can enjoy it by knowing if you have an issue, however big or small, there is a support network around you now and you can talk to someone’."

FURTHER SUPPORT Alex Richards, EFL Safeguarding Manager 01772 325940 [email protected] In an emergency, The FA Safeguarding Team or if someone is in 0800 169 1863 [email protected] immediate danger,

Ask to speak to The FA Safeguarding Team call the police on 999 (101 for non-emergencies) NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 [email protected]

30 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 31 BE ACTIVE LEARNING COMMUNICATION GIVE TAKE NOTICE

LEARN A LEARN A JOIN A ADVISE KEEP A LFE teamed up with the DANCE LANGUAGE VIDEO CALL CHILDREN JOURNAL Sporting Chance Clinic AND YOUTHS and If U Care Share to outline various methods to help look after your well-being.

GO WALKING PLAY AN MEET UP FIND TIME PRACTICE OR HIKING INSTRUMENT FACE-TO-FACE FOR YOURSELF MINDFULNESS

PRACTICE YOGA LISTEN TO SEND A TEXT PRAISE ACKNOWLEDGE OR PILATES A PODCAST MESSAGE OTHERS DAILY THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS

PLAY OTHER READ A SHARE ON HELP THOSE RECOGNISE SPORTS BOOK SOCIAL MEDIA IN NEED ACHIEVEMENTS i.e. cycling, golf, tennis

TRY A HOME WATCH A TALK ON OFFER ACTS TRY DEEP WORKOUT DOCUMENTARY THE PHONE OF KINDNESS BREATHING EXERCISES

32 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 33 "I wrote about my day-to-day experience as an academy player and they loved it..."

Burton Albion’s Under-18s caused a stir in last season’s And it was not just on the pitch where the “I’m not afraid to put myself out there and do FA Youth Cup, beating Category One academies Stoke 17-year-old made his mark, having been named things that others might not have the confidence as one of this year’s BBC Young Reporter to do,” said Radcliffe. “Some lads might be City and Southampton during their run to the fifth round. competition winners with his piece, ‘The conscious of what their teammates think of them First-year apprentice Ben Radcliffe donned the captain’s experience of being an apprentice footballer at a if they do something that’s not quite the norm, armband for their trip to eventual champions Aston Villa professional club’. but I’m not concerned about that. “I was looking for football scores on the BBC Sport “Fortunately, I haven’t experienced mental health after establishing himself as a key figure in the team. website and noticed there was a link promoting issues, but I recognised that others might be the competition,” he told LFE. “It said something going through some difficulties. I wanted to make along the lines of ‘write about what you do’ and the point that it is a normal thing and wanted to I think being an academy footballer isn’t often show my teammates that they can rely on me for documented, so I thought it’d be a decent topic. support if they’re struggling with anything. “I can’t say I really have a massive interest in “Everyone goes through negative phases from writing, but I saw it and thought ‘why not’? time to time, but there is always light at the end I wrote about my day-to-day experience as an of the tunnel. The more people speak out about academy player and they loved it, which was mental health, the more common it becomes as a completely surreal. topic, which then hopefully encourages more and “I didn’t expect to win, I just felt it would be good more people to open up. That’s why I wanted to experience to enter and maybe something I be involved in that movement to creating a new could stick on my CV. To end up being one of the culture.” winners and seeing myself being interviewed on Determined to be a leader in all aspects of national TV was bizarre.” the apprenticeship, Radcliffe is excelling in More than 2,500 young people aged 11 to 18 the classroom, too. The talented teenager is entered, with the versatile midfielder becoming studying the BTEC Extended Diploma and an one of 15 winners, triumphing in the Me and My additional A-Level in business, which he believes World (16-18) category. is benefiting his football development. His submission, judged by editors, presenters “Having the right attitude in college, where you’re and reporters across the BBC, including Huw engaging with the teachers and staying focused Edwards, Greg James, Alex Jones and Laura in lessons, definitely helps you on the pitch,” he Kuenssberg, highlighted the importance of continued. “The lads respect the work I put in, so mental health in football, while he also shared his even though I’m doing it for me, if I can inspire experience of being an apprentice at Burton. them as well, that’s a bonus.

34 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 35 "You can only do so much on the pitch and you need to be a good person as well as a player."

“You’ve got so many responsibilities as a “It’s not healthy to be focused on football all day footballer; it’s not just limited to kicking a ball every day,” Radcliffe added. “I wouldn’t say I do around on a field of grass. You’re in the public my A-Level in my spare time, but sometimes eye, you become a role model for others, you’ve you can be getting home from training at 2pm, got to be able to communicate properly to handle so you’ve got a lot of extra time compared to media commitments and you need the mental people at school. I use that to do some reading or strength to handle pressure and expectations. complete some work that I’ve been set. “Being professional and respectful in every aspect “The football side of the apprenticeship is very of your apprenticeship is very important. You intense and that’s ultimately what we all sign for can only do so much on the pitch and you need a club to do, but having the education alongside to be a good person as well as a player. Anyone that gives you time off from focusing all your who gets into an academy is obviously a good energy on football. I personally prefer to do footballer, so it’s how you develop yourself off something productive, rather than spending the pitch that can really set you apart from the hours on video games. rest. “I’ve particularly enjoyed my business A-Level “The college work has also directly improved because it’s not related to sport. I study one- my game because some of the topics are about on-one with a tutor and it gives me time to tactics, analysis, performance and diet. Obviously, focus on something completely different, which we do video sessions with club staff, but it’s really helps to avoid getting swept up in the really helpful to analyse your game with someone pressurised football environment. completely different, who isn’t watching you “Obviously, my objective is to get a professional every day and focusing on your known strengths contract, but I’ve already done plenty of research and weaknesses.” and have a clear vision that if I don’t, I want to go By committing to his studies, the Brewers to America to study a business management or prospect will unlock several transition options business-related degree. for himself at the end of the apprenticeship, “It’s going to be a demanding season trying to providing exciting opportunities if his ultimate earn a pro contract, but at least I can feel at ease goal of being awarded a professional contract knowing that I’ll be prepared to go down another does not come to fruition. pathway if football doesn’t work out.”

36 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 37 COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Bolton Wanderers first-year apprentices had the opportunity to hone their communication skills while helping the local area by assisting pupils with revamping a garden on the grounds of Sharples School.

In conjunction with the club’s Community “It’s really important for the boys to have an idea of Aside from their academic commitments, “You never know when it’s going to end, so it’s Trust, the social action project will go towards the work that the Community Trust do, and also however, some are now keen to continue making important to try and make an impact before it’s their Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) for them to realise that they can make a positive an impact in the local area during their spare time. too late.” qualification, which is specifically designed for impact just by sacrificing a bit of their time. “This is one of the first community events we’ve Seventeen-year-old Max Conway added: young footballers to develop attributes that “The lads have been signing autographs and been able to attend and I think we should “I’m proud to be a Bolton player because we’ve directly transfer onto the pitch. having photos taken; they’ve represented the do more because it’s good for us to develop got a great community. Seeing the smiles on Alex Norwood, Head of Academy Education, club brilliantly. Ultimately, they want to be important skills and it’s good for them as well,” people’s faces when we walked in was great to told LFE: “One of the SEP units looks at personal professional footballers and this sort of activity, said midfielder Arran Pettifer. see and it’s a good indication of what life as a and professional communication and part of where they’re interacting with students, just “It’s good to give back and give the young lads footballer can be like. that is public appearances, so this will be able gives them a taste of what life could be like and something that they can get excited about and I “All the different elements of the SEP qualification to generate some good evidence for them and the commitments that will be asked of them.” think we’ve gained a lot from being around them help us to learn a lot of personal skills that will hopefully it’s a valuable learning experience. Each player will be able to use the community as well. They seem to have really enjoyed it and prepare us for life after the apprenticeship. With “Obviously, communication is a key aspect to an activity as evidence for their SEP portfolio, while obviously it’s nice for them to see some of the these sorts of events, teamwork is a key factor event like this, but above all, I think it’s important they will also talk about the experience during players from their club. because we’re helping each other get the job for them to gain knowledge of what their role is as a professional interview towards the end of the “I’ve been at Bolton for 11 years, so it’s nice to done to the best of our ability, so we can also players, and that they are seen as role models. qualification. now be representing the club in the community. translate certain experiences onto the pitch.” 38 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 39 In the summer of 2016, Jamil Roberts’ career in football was hanging by a thread after being released by Plymouth Argyle at the conclusion of his apprenticeship.

Almost five years later, the 23-year-old was Unseeded Marshall enjoyed a fairytale run to the accepting the NCAA Division 1 Offensive Most National crown, seeing off number one ranked Outstanding Player award, having scored the Clemson, reigning champions Georgetown, hosts winning goal to help Marshall University become North Carolina and then Indiana, who boast one NCAA National Champions for the first time in of the most successful soccer programmes in the school history, since being established in 1895. nation. The versatile forward struck three straight “The NCAA Division 1 Tournament is the best match-winners in the quarter-final, semi-final against the best from across the whole country,” and final, netting an extra time golden goal with said Roberts, who was named as one of four the last kick of his college career before turning finalists for Best Play at the 2021 ESPY Awards. professional with Sporting Kansas City, who “There are over 200 D1 teams and then 32 make selected him with the 77th pick of the 2021 MLS it to the post-season competition. SuperDraft. “We had to beat some powerhouses of college “I’ve watched the game back many times and I soccer and we were dubbed as an underdog still pinch myself,” he told LFE. “To be the one story by the media, but we never saw it that way. who scored the historic goal and complete my We were prepared to the finest detail for every four years at Marshall in that way, I couldn’t have opponent, which gave us so much belief in each scripted it any better. round. “Without blowing my trumpet too much, it did “Every single player played their part in helping get to the point where I felt like a small town us win the title, but inevitably my goal gets celebrity, which was very surreal. I don’t think highlighted the most. I was a left-back in the I paid for a drink in the month following the Under-18s at Plymouth, but after one training tournament. Everywhere I went, it was either on session here, I was moved forward. That’s the house or someone was buying it for me. completely changed the trajectory of my career “Some of the great Marshall athletes have had and to finish my time at Marshall with a tap-in, a streets named after them around the city and proper striker’s goal, was very fitting.” there’s a rumour that I’ll have one of my own. The American journey all started for Roberts in There has also been talk that I could be an early 2017, having spent a season struggling to make inductee into the Hall of Fame. To even be an impact at Dorchester Town in non-league, mentioned in the same category as people like although a potential contract offer from Grimsby Randy Moss and Chad Pennington, who are NFL Town almost prevented him from making the legends, that to me is just incredible.” switch across the pond.

40 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 41 “There’s a period of self-pity that comes after “My coach took a big interest in making sure being released,” he added. “Some lads are ready everyone was focusing on their education and to go straight into a new challenge after the the university provided a lot of support staff apprenticeship, but I wasn’t. I needed some time for the student-athletes,” he said. “I also had an to reflect and refocus. academic advisor who would organise additional “A year on from leaving Plymouth, I was refreshed tutoring for certain classes whenever I needed it. and incredibly motivated to take on the challenge “I’ve always been interested in the psychology of of America. Instead of holding onto a lot of sport, but I wanted to broaden my knowledge bitterness, I was able to disconnect from that of the whole subject, so I chose to study Health negativity and just focus on myself and my Sciences and then I plan on eventually getting my objectives. Master’s, specialising in psychology. “I was in pre-season training with Grimsby Town “The education I’ve received has been first in League Two at the time and they’d made it class and it has helped with my own mental clear that they intended to sign me. But the U.S. “In all aspects, it’s been state. Obviously, I’ve matured with age and my route offered a long-term guarantee of full-time headspace is a lot clearer anyway, but I do feel football alongside getting a degree. like the education has been a contributing factor “At this point now, I’ve had four years of the best experience of and some of the things that I’ve learned and development, where I’ve matured physically as applied to my own game have been invaluable.” an athlete and mentally as a person, so now I The experience in the States is not just limited feel a lot better prepared to start my professional my life.” to on the pitch and in the classroom, providing career.” opportunities to travel and learn about different Following a steady first two seasons with the cultures. Thundering Herd, Roberts had a breakout year “It’s massively broadened my horizons,” Roberts in 2019, registering eight goals and 10 assists in said. “Our team was made up of lads from 18 games, which put him on the radar of several America, England, , Argentina, Yemen, MLS clubs. “I had a really good Combine and great New Zealand, and that’s just what I remember off He said: “I believe my goal contributions tally was conversations with quite a few clubs in the lead the top of my head. top three in the country and my assist numbers up to the draft, but I had the international tag “Aside from going to university in West Virginia were top five, so I was suddenly being touted hanging over me,” Roberts continued. “When I and now playing in Kansas City, I’ve visited places as one of the most promising forwards in the finally saw my name come up next to Sporting like Florida, Miami, New , California, LA, San country and talks between myself and other KC, the feeling was indescribable. Diego, Seattle, Chicago and North Carolina, so clubs intensified. “It was the culmination of a long journey, with I’m well-travelled. “My final season was delayed due to Covid, but I many ups and downs. There was a realisation “I made a commitment to immerse myself in the was still eligible to enter the 2021 draft and I was that I was right to believe in myself and I wasn’t community and make an effort to understand the invited to the Combine, held in Kansas City. deluded to have these ambitions. local culture, and I feel like I’ve done that. I’ve “We played three games with every MLS and USL “It couldn’t have worked out better for me. The become a much more rounded person with a scout or sporting director in attendance, and training ground is the U.S. National Team’s HQ better perspective on the world. then there were six or seven weeks of non-stop and it’s an environment where there is no excuse “Overall, it’s been a learning curve on and off the conversations with clubs and agents up until the not to succeed. I’m so grateful to have been pitch. It’s allowed me to pursue education at a event in late January.” given this opportunity.” level I never thought I’d reach and it’s enabled me Despite being predicted by many as a first-round Roberts, who will spend the remainder of the to achieve my dream of becoming a professional prospect, MLS restrictions on the number of season at affiliate club Sporting KC II in the footballer, which I didn’t think would be possible international players allowed on each roster second division, has not progressed solely as after being released at 17. meant that the talented left-footer slipped down a footballer, with the U.S. scholarship route “In all aspects, it’s been the best experience of the pecking order, eventually being taken off the allowing him to further his studies, attaining a my life and I hope that it continues now that I’m board in the third round. Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. away from the college environment.”

42 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 43 44 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 45 Of all the alternative careers that academy footballers can pursue after being released, it is fair to say that selling plants does not often, if at all, come up in discussion.

SEEDS OF But for ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers At the start of lockdown in March 2020, apprentice Dylan Stringer-Moth, it is Stringer-Moth volunteered his services to a pathway that has developed into a a garden centre owned by his girlfriend’s profitable business venture. family, which sparked a budding interest The 25-year-old had graduated with that would turn into a full-time project. a degree in Sport Coaching and He told LFE: “When the pandemic hit, I Development, but felt that it was not his had a lot of free time because I couldn’t go “true passion” and kept himself open to into work, so I started helping out at the other options. garden centre as they were still able to do deliveries.

46 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 47 “I was doing drop-offs all over Manchester “At first, we were a bit sceptical whether “We sent stuff to Kady McDermott from “Everyone has more to offer than just and that inspired an idea between myself to take the plunge and commit to the Love Island, whose home account had a football,” said Stringer-Moth, who still and my girlfriend to create our own service business full-time, so we’ve been really crazy number of followers. Courtney Black, plays semi-professionally for Chadderton across the whole country. We did a bit of surprised by the success we’ve had already. who is a popular online fitness instructor, FC. “Progressing through the academy research and convinced ourselves that it “We’ve had a year now to learn our trade has also collaborated with us. That kind ranks, you have to be self-motivated to was something we could do. and stay afloat, so now we’ll be setting of thing is great exposure for us because pursue your goals and resilient when you “We started the business last August, called some objectives and projections for the we can use their platform to advertise to encounter adversity. It takes a lot of effort, One Click Plants. We have a garden centre next 12 months and beyond.” a new and much bigger audience, which sacrifice and determination to get to the leads to more sales.” apprenticeship level, and that’s exactly where we grow our stock, but it’s an online One Click Plants is emerging as a what is required in business. store and we deliver across the UK and reputable brand, with over 200 five-star Stringer-Moth’s only prior experience in Northern Ireland. reviews on Trust Pilot and almost 12,000 business came via his startup clothing “It can be a little intimidating at first to drift “We do garden project enquiries as well, so followers on Instagram, with renowned brand, called Attivo, which offered a out of that comfort zone, but sometimes if someone wants their garden transformed, home improvement accounts now using sports clothing range and enjoyed plenty it’s the only way you’ll find your true they’ll send us their budget, a photo and the service. of success, until production was stopped passion. I never would have imagined that in favour of his current venture. He I’d be enjoying running a successful plant the dimensions of what they need and “We try to stand out from the crowd believes all apprentices have the skillset business, but you never know what is going then we’ll provide recommendations for by offering a fast delivery service,” he to succeed in the industry. to be your calling until you give it a go.” them based on the plants we sell. We also added. “Our stock enables us to be ready create videos for people, showing them to provide next day delivery. Our plants how to grow their plants. are also a bit bigger than the norm, and “My girlfriend is a lot more knowledgeable therefore better value for money than “It can be a little intimidating at first to drift than me, but I’m learning every day about a lot of our rivals. all the products, seasonal trends and what sells best out of that comfort zone, but sometimes it’s throughout the year. I’ve enjoyed the process so far.” As with any startup, the only way you’ll find your true passion.” establishing the business has been a challenging operation, with Stringer-Moth juggling several roles across the different aspects of the company. “My girlfriend and I are running the business and then we have one other person who is basically a picker and packer,” he continued. “We have to do all sorts of things, like customer service, social media and marketing, sorting stock and orders, handling finances, managing the picker and packer, and so on. We’re constantly busy, but that’s how I like it. “I think you learn on the job in business. You’re not going to get it right first time every time, so you’ve got to be resilient and keep believing in your project. You probably learn more from the failures than you do from the Click here to visit One Click Plants successes.

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608 582 1,377 15.8K 2,253 6,700 posts following followers tweets following followers TEN FORMER LFE APPRENTICES REPRESENTED THE THIS SUMMER AS THEY CONTRIBUTED TO League Football Education @LFEonline Everyone at League Football Education is ENGLAND’S HEROIC RUN TO THE UEFA EURO 2020 FINAL. heartbroken to learn of the passing of former Stevenage apprentice & 2013 Mike Johnson Award Manager Manchester United captain winner Spencer McCall, following a brave battle handed game time to seven Maguire and Liverpool skipper with a rare bone cancer. of those players during the Jordan Henderson (formerly of Squad Deepest condolences to his friends and family. competition, with Barnsley Sunderland) found themselves academy graduate on the scoresheet during Birmingham City apprentice and Leeds United’s Kalvin the 4-0 rout of Ukraine at Borussia Dortmund Phillips starting all seven the quarter final stage, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin matches. midfielder Phillips was the Sheffield United apprentice provider for England’s winning Everton Ex-Sheffield United youngster goal against Croatia to kickstart was rewarded their campaign. Leicester City apprentice for his excellent performances Chelsea with a place in the Team of Elsewhere, Jude Bellingham the Tournament, while former and Dominic Calvert-Lewin Jordan Henderson Sunderland apprentice Southampton apprentice both appeared multiple times Liverpool was another star off the bench, with the former Harry Maguire Joe England @joejengland performer, registering three becoming the youngest It’s been a pleasure to work with the @LFEonline Sheffield United apprentice assists and scoring a terrific ever player to feature in a on their Assessment Trials this year. Massive thank Manchester United opener just 116 seconds into knockout game at a European you to all three venues @sloughtownfc, @SRFCofficial& @TadcasterAlbion, and best of the final defeat to . Championship, aged just 18 luck to all the players years and four days. Leeds United MAY Sheffield United apprentice 2021 Arsenal Luke Shaw Southampton apprentice Manchester United John Stones Barnsley apprentice Manchester City

Ben White Plymouth Argyle Academy @PAFCAcademy Brighton & Hove Albion apprentice Massive thank you to @jackrutter2 for the fantastic Arsenal delivery of @LFEonline Personal Development program. 7 great sessions our first year apprentices really enjoyed and developed both Standby List on and off the pitch. York City apprentice Everton James Ward-Prowse Southampton Exeter City apprentice Aston Villa

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