Issue 23 - May 2014 News from League Football Education Touchline Inside: Create Your Legacy | Football League Awards | International Honours
Meet the Debutants
LFE was established by The Football League and The Professional Footballers Association WEB
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HOME PHONE Academy League Round-up AssessmentTWITTER Trials Goal of the month FACEBOOK HOME It is a crunch time and the VIDEO There has been an avalanche of super strikes in this
opportunity to secure a footballingEMAIL FACEBOOK season’s goal of the month competition with voting future in the UK or overseas is at 16,000 and counting. available at LFE’s AssessmentPHONE Trials The names of Matt Bowles (Lincoln City), Jack Willbye (Ipswich
This summer another crop of ApprenticesHOME Town) and Sam Humphreys (Oxford United) have recently been and first-year professionals will be released added to the roll call of winners. So expect to see them and
by their clubs but as one door closesFACEBOOK another others doing their finest impressions of Luis Suarez and Daniel opens. And over 250 players will be able to Sturridge et al in this term’s finale – Goal of the Season – which showcase their abilities at four regional trial will feature on LFETV at the end of May. events in May. Assessment Trials will take place at these venues: To check out the goals visit: Representatives from Premier League, Thursday, 1 May 2014 Football League and Non-League clubs www.lfe.org.uk/goal-of-the-month Bradford City FC, BD8 7DY in the UK, European clubs and Higher Education institutions from both the UK Tuesday, 6 May 2014 and USA will be amongst the interested Staines Town FC, TW18 2PD Education spectators at venues across the land. Wednesday, 7 May 2014 For further information about the Port Vale FC, ST6 1AW Support Fund Assessment Trials please call 0845 074 0561 Thursday, 8 May 2014 and visit: www.lfe.org.uk/progression/ Walsall FC, WS1 4SA LFE chief executive Alan Sykes has warned clubs to meet trials/assessment-trials-2014 the deadline for Education Support Fund (ESF) or miss out. final – where they will meet Colchester The Southern equivalent sees an exciting Blackpool, Bradford City and The fund which ploughs £250,000 back into Football League clubs United (29 April). winner-takes-all final fixture between the top to support the education of apprentices has been used historically Colchester United were able to two, Queens Park Rangers and Charlton. The U’s also go into that encounter after a to pay for equipment like heart-rate monitors, outward bound celebrate early after ending the The Addicks need to win to leapfrog Rangers PASS4Soccer USA Trials stellar campaign which saw them seal the days, and importantly, laptops and other IT equipment. and finish as champions. season as champions of their South East title by just one decisive point, LFE’s recommended USA-partner Yet while Sykes is keen to ensure as much money as possible finds respective Youth Alliance League from runners up Peterborough United. Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to PASS4Soccer will also be hosting a USA its way to clubs, he admits they have to take a proactive approach finish in seventh place behind Manchester Assessment Trial which takes place on Blackpool won an impressive 2.42 points per A three-way battle for the South West title to making applications. United in the U18 Premier League (North) Sunday 4 May 2014 and is exclusive to match to top the North West table and pip was still underway as this edition went to while Blackburn’s hopes of a strong finish those individuals seeking the opportunity “The deadline for receipt of the claim form and supporting second placed Oldham Athletic while the print. Oxford United, Exeter City and appeared to rest on the shoulders of 19-goal to study and play in the USA University documentation is 31 May,” Sykes said. divisions leading goal scorer Daniel Whitehall Bristol Rovers were all battling for that striker Jordan Preston’s ability to maintain his on a soccer scholarship. helped Rochdale to finish third. particular honour. happy knack in front of goal. For further information “This fund has been available for most of the season yet it’s PASS4Soccer has been securing scholarships amazing that some will choose to make last minute applications On the other side of the Pennines, Bradford In the Professional Development League about the USA trial In the South, FA Youth Cup semi-finalists in the USA for over 10 years and during or none at all. City continued their fine form to remain in top (North) an impressive plus 29 goal difference and opportunity please Reading are on the march though a tricky this time has built a strong reputation with spot and take the North East crown scoring a from 22 games helped Huddersfield Town “I’d urge clubs to send through their paperwork sooner rather fixture with David Dodd’s Leicester City USA Universities. PASS4Soccer has the call PASS4Soccer on: national high of 68 goals along the way. to spearhead the division ahead of Yorkshire than later. Why run the risk of missing out,” Sykes added. will determine whether or not they can apply ability to introduce players to an extensive 0191 229 5236 and visit: rivals Barnsley and Birmingham City. At the time of writing the young Bantams’ had further pressure on London pair Chelsea network of Universities maximising www.pass4soccer.com For further details on the ESF please visit: turned their attentions to Youth Alliance Cup and Fulham. scholarship opportunities. www.lfe.org.uk/about/education-support-fund 2 3 WEB
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@LFEonline TWITTERblog.lfe.org.uk BLOGHOME Got a story? Want to share news with other EMAIL WEB news www.lfe.org.uk VIDEO/LFEonline TWITTERFACEBOOK LFE partners? email: [email protected] PERSONEMAIL VIDEO PHONE BLOGPHONE EMAIL 5hundt Ro HOME PHONE TWITTER The Huddersfield Town 2 - 1 Manchester United
FACEBOOK HOME Fantasy VIDEO HOME Huddersfield claimed a famous victory in front FA YOUTH CUP of a crowd of 1,385, at the John Smith’s which EMAIL FACEBOOK included – United legend Sir Bobby Charlton Reading’s bid to reach the FA and Town boss Mark Robins. PHONE Youth Cup final might have Football Midfielder Ben Atkinson set the Terriers on ended in a 5-4 semi-finalFACEBOOK defeat HOME 11 their way and though the Reds equalised to Fulham but the Royals and through skipper James Wilson, the result was update FACEBOOK plenty of others have shared never in doubt after Jake Charles blasted home some magical moments in this a second-half penalty. year’s competition – here’s some Pos Team Name Manager Name GLS ASS PTS 3rd Round of the most memorable... Accrington Stanley 2 - 1 West Ham United 1 - Jacks Team Jack Tuite 101 42 1478 On a cold Lancashire night at the Crown 2 - Pep Rowe’s U16’s George O’Neill 71 70 1469 Q uARTER Final Reading 4 - 4 Liverpool Ground, the Academy of Football was taught a 3 - Eddie Rogerson XI Eddie Rogerson 78 61 1419 (Reading won 5-4 on penalties) lesson as Accrington delivered the shock result 4 - Braidie’s All Stars Ian King 87 59 1414 of the competition. Reading stunned Liverpool to win an 5 - Keep the Ball United Kieran Dunbar 83 62 1397 extraordinary game on penalties and reach The vast difference in resources and the 70 or the FA Youth Cup semi-finals for the first so places separating the club’s league positions counted for nought as Nathan Webb’s Top of the pile in LFE’s Fantasy Football time in their history. If you’ve not registered yet visit overhead kick put Stanley in charge. Jamie competition and gunning for the £250 top fantasy.football-league.co.uk, A brace from Harry Cardwell had given the Harney hit a late leveller for the Hammers but prize is Derby County and Republic of Ireland Royals a comfortable two-goal cushion but the pick your team and join LFE’s the hosts regrouped and Max Hazeldine hit a youth international Jack Tuite whose team visitors earned a last gasp reprieve via 83rd and 116th minute extra-time winner. selections have so far tallied up nearly one private league by using code: 90th minute goals from Jordan Williams and hundred goals amassing 1400 points. Jordan Rossiter. 3rd Round Nottingham Forest 2 - 3 Charlton Athletic Just two points behind is Birmingham City’s George Here’s the line-up for the league’s best Daniel Trickett-Smith and Harry Wilson’s goals O’Neill who has had help from the high-flying 7409857 11 apprentices for the month of February: then appeared to have settled the tie in the Years after nurturing the likes of Andy Reid, Sam Vokes, Jamie Vardy and Ross McCormack. visitors favour early in extra-time but De’Jaune Jermaine Jenas and Michael Dawson, Paul Hart Hakeeb Adelakun Scunthorpe United Barnsley first year Apprentice Eddie Rogerson All requests to join the competition are Taylor-Crossdale set up a grandstand finish and returned to the City Ground to lead Charlton looks comfortable in third place and will be verified by LFE. Please note that any Ben Purrington Plymouth Argyle team-mate and fellow substitute George to a 3-2 victory at Nottingham Forest. hoping to claim the final cash reward of £100. inappropriate team names will be rejected. Mark Waddington Blackpool McLennan scored in injury time equaliser to In a game that to’d and fro’d, Tareiq Holmes- Dominic Calvert-Lewin Sheffield United send the game to penalties. This season’s competition isn’t simply about Aennis, Joshua Umerah, Kalan Ahearn-Grant cash prizes, it provides important evidence of 1st £250 Cameron Murray York City Step forward Taylor-Crossdale, who held his found the back of the net for the Addicks selecting players and managing a budget Cash 2nd £150 Ted Smith Southend United nerve from 12-yards-out to score the winning while Derrick Otim and Jake Mulraney scored supporting Apprentices to complete their NVQ prizes 3rd £100 Harley Wigley Rotherham United penalty and spark wild celebrations. for last term’s semi-finalists. in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance. Fraser Murdoch Crewe Alexandra Ibrahim Keita Wolverhampton Wanderers Images from top to bottom: Huddersfield Town celebrate; Nathan Webb scores an acrobatic overhead kick for WEB James Roberts Oxford United www.fantasy.football-league.co.uk | League code: 7409857 Accrington Stanley; Mykhail Kennedy was pumped up by Charlton’s FA Youth Cup win over Forest; Josh Umerah Sam Ling Leyton Orient scoring in style for Charlton.
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FACEBOOK DebutantsThe Since the last edition of Touchline even more LFE apprentices have made first-team bows – so we thought we’d run the rule over a selection of players who’ve tasted the real thing. Amadou Bakayoko
Walsall Fred Onyedinma Striker Amadou made his Walsall debut against Millwall Port Vale in April, coming on in the second-half. The youngster who hails from Birmingham now Central midfielder Fred made his Lions debut in the FA Cup defeat hopes to help the Saddlers into the play-offs. at Southend when the team was taken by his usual coaches, Academy manager Scott Fitzgerald and Under-21 boss Neil Harris, Connor Mahoney following Steve Lomas’s departure. Blackburn Rovers When Ian Holloway took over he soon turned to Fred, a 17-year-old, first-year apprentice, to help their fight against relegation, as he Connor started this season in Accrington Stanley’s made four league appearances in March. first-team, despite being a first-year apprentice! In December he moved to his home town club Blackburn and within a couple of weeks made his first team debut live on TV against the mighty Manchester City in the FA Cup, aged 16! The winger has also won England Under-17 honours this term.
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96 Hiram Boateng & Sullay Kaikai 18 Ben Purrington Crystal Palace/Crawley Town Plymouth Argyle Anthony Dudley Conor Dimaio, Otis Khan & Louis Reed Two 18-year-olds from Crystal Palace spent March on-loan at League Left-back Ben broke into the Argyle team on Boxing One side Crawley. Midfielder Hiram made his Eagles debut in their Bury Sheffield United Day and has stayed there ever since! FA Cup win at West Brom in January and then made his league bow for Crawley, coming on in their draw with Stevenage. Centre-forward Anthony made his Shakers debut in Sheffield United’s teenage contingent increased this spring as Irishman The 18-year-old from Exeter, who is also managing January against Burton and returned to the match- Conor Dimaio and Otis Khan came on as last minute subs to make their Blades to complete the BTEC Extended Diploma this year, Striker Sullay, winner of LFE Goal of the Season last year, made five day squad in February for the 4-1 win at Mansfield. debuts in the win over Crawley in late March. Both played again in the win has clocked up over a dozen appearances so far league appearances for Crawley without scoring. Both have now Still a first-year apprentice, the 17-year-old local lad over Rotherham a few days before the FA Cup semi-final. They were joined and registered his first goal for the club in an FA returned to Selhurst Park. could have a bright future in the game. by Louis Reed for the win over the Millers. Cup draw at Port Vale in January.
6 7 LFE Apprentice LFE Apprentice of the Year of the Year
LEAGUE 2 The Football League Awards LEAGUE 1 The Football League Awards Bradley Brendan Walker Galloway Hartlepool United MK Dons
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Midfield hotshot Brad Walker Walker follows in the footsteps of team-mate Becoming part of the national side will give The name of Brendan Galloway April 2012 and has now made 13 appearances After the ceremony Galloway tweeted: and midfield partner Luke James who took the Walker the chance to match himself against for the club, 9 of which have come this term as “Great evening at the @football_league awards saw off Plymouth Argyle’s Ben League One Apprentice of the Year award a the best in the country and it is a challenge he was etched onto the trophy has his first goal for the club which contributed tonight, very pleased to win an award too, Purrington and Portsmouth’s year ago leading to former first-team boss is looks forward to. ahead of fellow nominees to victory against Halifax in the FA Cup. thanks for all the messages.” Colin Cooper lauding his nomination. Jack Whatmough to take the “For myself, winning England recognition does Josh Brownhill of Preston “This season has been great in the first-team, The accolade proved to be an early birthday give me a lot of confidence. Being alongside League Two Award “To have consecutive nominations for this award North End and Samuel Szmodics especially scoring in the FA Cup,” said Galloway. present for Galloway who turned 18 years-old is brilliant for the club. Brad has already had some lads from Premier League and Championship the day after receiving the award. Just 24 hours before picking up the gong at pats on the back but this is another massive one.” clubs, matching their tempo, is brilliant for me,” of Colchester United “I’m still trying to complete my college course, the glitzy ceremony in London, Walker had said Walker. give back to the community while playing but “I keep saying that this club should be very The six foot one inch defender became the my ultimate aim is to play in the Premier scored a 25 yard screamer in Pool’s 4-0 rout of proud of what we are producing. These two Walker joined Hartlepool as a 13-year-old and youngest first-team player in Milton Keynes His attitude to work is League. I have to thank the manager [Karl Bristol Rovers, demonstrating the ability which young men are very proud and happy to be even up to his apprenticeship days would often Dons’ short but eventful history as a 15-year- always good and he has earned him rave reviews since breaking playing for Pools.” cycle to training, however it is fair to say that old in 2011 during a 6–0 victory over Nantwich Robinson] for giving me the chance.” into the first-team last August. the teenage star has come a lot further than Town in the FA Cup. LFE’s regional officer Darren Bloodworth has always redoubled Winning a place in the England Under-18 his bicycle round-trip of 12 miles. Speaking at the awards, Walker said: “It’s brilliant. squad has capped off a meteoric rise for Walker The young Don who has also earned offered his own tribute to the 18-year-old, his efforts to catch-up It was very good to be nominated and I didn’t after he was plucked from the youth-team last international recognition with England’s saying: think I would win it but I have and I’m very happy.” Winning a place in the Under-16 and Under-18 teams is known for his with his academic summer to become a midfield mainstay. “Brendan’s a well-mannered and polite member composure on the ball and his ability to turn “It’s going well. I’d like to thank the gaffer and The England people have been very impressed England U18 squad has of the group. His attitude to work is always work after he’s been defence into attack in the blink of an eye. the club for giving me the opportunity to play. with him, both as a technically-gifted young capped off a meteoric good and he has always redoubled his efforts My family is the main thing for me, they have footballer, but also a really grounded, humble He made his league debut after starting for to catch-up with his academic work after he’s on first-team or been very important and are very supportive.” young man,” Cooper added. rise for Walker MK Dons in a 2-1 victory at Rochdale on 28 been on first-team or international duty.” international duty
8 9 THURSDAY 27TH MARCH | UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Michael Starkey Sergeant Pearce Robin Deen Sean England What they said Huddersfield Town Royal Air Force Brighton & Hove Albion Nottingham Forest
We could’ve written a long and interesting piece about “ You can never really learn too “ As part of our recruitment we “ I didn’t realise how much “ This is something we’ve come to for the success of this year’s Create Your Legacy careers much about what you can do have over 50 different types of you could actually do while the last 4–5 years because it’s really after football because things can role in the RAF including important to make them aware of the event but instead we decided to let others do our you’re still playing in terms sorts of careers available to them inside change so quickly so the more engineering, air crew, logistics, of all the courses you can and outside sport. We feel we have a talking. So here are the views of those that dropped in information you have the better human resources and medical take at universities. responsibility to prepare our boys because on the day at the University of Warwick on 27 March. – it was a really beneficial day.” so fantastic opportunities for they won’t all become professionals. “The event gives you a boost any lads who are looking for a “Whether they go on to University, career beyond football. We also of confidence in terms of become employed, play part-time “ I spoke to a lot of “Football offers no guarantees. You can be one “ A lot of it (refereeing) is man management offer the opportunity to carry making you aware there are football or make it as a professional – injury away from retirement and even if you skills but they’ve got a good knowledge on your sport of choice as part still a lot of things you can do they’re all successful progressions but young players and I enjoy a long career you’re going to have to of the game itself,” said Marriner, who if football doesn’t work out.” we’re conscious that the skills they finish at some point so you need to broaden believes young players should not be lost of your duty.” develop while they’re with us will help think most understood your mind and think about your next move. to the game. them go on to that next stage.” where I was coming “My message was, ‘there’s more to life than “They have the physical prowess and while “ First and foremost we’re an academic institution but our football programme just kicking a ball around,’ you have to engage the laws of the game theory work is slightly from when I stressed with different things and be willing to learn different to what they know once that is a massive draw and it’s great for us to tell the lads about how we can help. “ Even if you make it you have We’ve got a great link with LFE and probably have 20 plus players who have the importance of new skills so that you have the versatility to be has been learned their football background to have a plan and I think it able to move in different directions – that’s a can help them go on to become really either been released at 18 or after a year as a professional who’ve come to having a Plan B. path I’m on at the moment.” good referees.” Hartpury to do a foundation degree or full degree." speaks volumes that I’m here.”
Fabrice Muamba Andre Marriner Marc Richards Chris Burke Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Elite Select Group Referee Hartpury Birmingham & Scotland
10 11 Statistics Exhibitors
Ateat nd nce
1 x = 5 attendees
Apprentices (800) Exhibitors (50) Mentors (25)
40 Missouri State University
Time spent at CYL per club 02:10 HRS MIN media Ie nt rviews 24 Training
12 13 14 I Albion’s second team. Walton was the only only Walton the team. was Albion’s second A little over a year ago, Christian ago, ayear over Walton A little Spring brought exciting exciting brought Spring won international honours honours international won Championship finals Hungary.in and (26 Burton) at Walsall), Scotland May the qualifiers ahead of the UEFA the of European ahead qualifiers the to play up a year for England Under-19s, for England ayear to up play apprentice players all who Ukraine (29 May at Burton) in the Elite Stage of of Elite Stage inthe (29Burton) at May Ukraine England now face Montenegro (24 at May face Montenegro now England Blake’s Turkey over team month. last Chester at opportunities for agroup of Now the Cornishman is an England Under-19 Cornishman England an is the Now coming on as sub in a 3-0 friendly win for Noel for Noel win friendly ina3-0 sub as on coming club League aFootball from apprentice current playing in goal for Plymouth Argyle Under-18s. Argyle for Plymouth ingoal playing international and a regular for Brighton & Hove &Hove for Brighton aregular and international n t e
Conor Mitchell B urNLEy was was r of of Gomez Joe centre-back Lions: Three Among the Czech Under-17s Czech the Among Millwall’s was A trio from LFE’s apprenticeship played for the for the played LFE’s from apprenticeship A trio Gomez. The pair spend most days only a a only days most spend pair The Gomez. Canadian-born attacker Canadian-born the opportunity to renew acquaintances with with acquaintances to renew opportunity the Charlton and midfielder place their sealed England Republic, Czech the Cooke and Turkey. May in Malta in finals tournament European for the prepare now will side Peacock’s Dael Fry having travelled 800 miles to feature was given given to feature was miles 800 travelled having having beaten both Albania and host nation nation host and Albania both beaten having where they face the hosts, the Netherlands Netherlands the hosts, face the they where both started, with Middlesbrough’s with both started, Callum in the finals with a with Zlin. in finals 2-1in the Italy over win In the Under-17 the In Championships, European n coming on for Cook. His club-mate club-mate for Cook. His on coming was an unused substitute. John John substitute. unused an was a
Kris Twardek Kris Lewis Cook LEEDS UNITED Leeds of Cook Lewis t , who i o A third Brighton apprentice was in in was apprentice Brighton A third Seagulls last summer, played three times for for summer, times last three played Seagulls Sheffield United played a part in both games. both in part a played United Sheffield Walton and Gomez had club-mates club-mates had Walton Gomez and Harry Harry Charlton keeper Republic: Czech forward forward Dylan full-back Brighton while win, 2-0 the and are Under-18 are and opponents. League Academy Barnett Doherty with Latvia. Latvia. with representing the Republic of Ireland Under-18s of Ireland Republic the representing couple of miles apart in south-east London London insouth-east apart of miles couple losing to Ukraine and Portugal, and drawing drawing and Portugal, and to Ukraine losing international action recently as Icelandic Icelandic as recently action international Iceland Under-17sIceland qualifiers, European intheir Pierce Mitchell Rainey Ryan the against also friendlies, two intheir in April played in the win, replacing Wolves’ Wolves’ replacing win, inthe played Ragnar Larusson n started in both the 2-2 the inboth and defeat started
Harry Doherty CHARLTON athletic City’s Bristol game. first the from and Joel Coustrain and a , who joined the the joined , who of of l
Dael Fry MIDDLESBOROUGH H “I’m proud my family got to see me play and to to and play me “I’m to see got my family proud 17s on their way to a 2-0 victory over Bosnia- over 17s victory wayto a2-0 their on The Birmingham City defender revealed his his revealed defender City Birmingham The Tom Lang feeling,” the teenager said. feeling,” teenager the Friendlies inMarch. their Under-19International from theFootballLeaguein whopping 13apprentices Northern Irelandfieldeda score was even better – I can’t even explain the the explain even –Ican’t better even was score Herzegovina in their European Championship Championship European intheir Herzegovina Robbie had flown more than 4000 miles to see it. it. see to miles 4000 than more flown had Robbie which held a special significance as his uncle uncle as his significance aspecial held which delight at grabbing his first goal for his country his country for goal first his grabbing at delight qualifier. ’s first-half opener set Scotland under- Scotland set opener ’s first-half o
Josh Doherty WATFORD n o
“You could see from my celebration what what “You my celebration from see could Teammate 3-1 win against Belgium - which ensured ensured -which Belgium 3-1 against win At the start of March, PDL2’s current top scorer scorer top current PDL2’s of March, At start the Scotland will compete at a major tournament tournament amajor at compete will Scotland Scotland Under-19s squad that beat Switzerland Under-19sScotland Switzerland beat that squad Jordan Preston Germany, Switzerland and Portugal in the finals finals inthe Portugal and Germany, Switzerland Crewe apprentice FraserCrewe apprentice Murdoch inMalta. tournament for the first time since 2008. since 2008. time first for the scoring with his first touch of the ball during a during ball the of touch first his with scoring at Kilmarnock. Scotland will now take on takeon now will Scotland Kilmarnock. at Both then played in the 1-0 win over Romania Romania over win 1-0 inthe played then Both he too had the magic touch a few days later by by later afew days touch magic the had too he heart on the line for Scotland.” line the on heart playing for Scotland means to me. I put my my to me. Iput means for Scotland playing in a friendly at Livingston. They will hope to to hope will They Livingston. at in afriendly u Jake Sheppard
Jake Sheppard reading and Rovers of Blackburn r (Reading) showed (Reading) showed s were in the inthe were ould see from my ould see from my “ All but Symons played again in the 2-2 inthe again played draw Symons but All Championship elite round inEngland. round elite Championship two days later, Ives and Doherty (with a late alate (with later, days Doherty and Ives two (Hull), and Mikhail and (Hull), Kennedy (Charlton), with (Reading), George Gray George Under-19 inMarch. Friendlies International apprentices from the Football League in their in their League Football the from apprentices celebration what playing celebration whatplaying You c for Scotland.” I putmy heart on the line for Scotland means to me. Levi Ives Levi Dale Gorman Doherty Burnley’s Burnley’s Northern Ireland fielded a whopping whopping a 13 fielded Ireland Northern club-mate club-mate make the cut for the UEFA European Under-19 UEFA European for the make cut the penalty) on the scoresheet. the on penalty) Dungannon at nations two same the between Rooney In the 3-0 defeat to Switzerland in Belfast, inBelfast, to Switzerland defeat 3-0 the In
Joel Coustrain sheffield united (Plymouth) coming off the bench. bench. the off coming (Plymouth) (Watford), Kyle Symons (Watford), (Torquay), Mark Edgar Conor Mitchell
Sean Mullan Cameron Dummigan Cameron Collins (Preston), Lewis (Stevenage), Eoghan McCawl Louis Louis and Wed) (Sheff was in goal behind behind ingoal was (Blackburn), , (Notts Co), Josh Josh
Callum Cooke MIDDLESBOROUGH 15 16 here are alot of skills you “ t and mental skills that are disciplinary particular in can pick up from football, T working world.” ransferable into the wider wider the into ransferable
“The general stereotype of a footballer isn’t of afootballer stereotype general “The “Finding another apprenticeship to get work work to get apprenticeship another “Finding “I’ve now started to work towards management management towards to work started now “I’ve Holtom Fred Almost two years after leaving Deepdale to return to return Deepdale leaving after years two Almost While he once had aspirations of forging a living aliving of forging aspirations had once he While the idea being that I’d be used as a shared ashared as I’d that used being be idea the to his native Solihull, he is part way through waythrough part is he Solihull, to native his to their own and it fits for me,” for LFE. fits it and own told Fred to their the age of 25.” age the by qualified fully to myis aim be so to CIMA from football and emulating the achievements achievements the emulating and football from Preston North End defender insists that it’s the “perfect fit” for him fit” “perfect the End that defender insists it’s North Preston not cup everyone’s of be tea” according Fred Holtom to former the but amanagement become to road the down Starting accountant “might somebody who’ll sit in an office all day looking looking dayall office inan who’ll sit somebody years. I’ve got a 5-year plan and I’m currently I’m and plan currently a5-year got I’ve years. at spreadsheets and numbers all day but each each but day all numbers and spreadsheets at accountancy which is where I want to be in 5 in 5 Iwantto be where is which accountancy his new 5-year plan for success after joining joining after for success plan 5-year new his One, inLeague regulars now both Wright, Bailey Fujitsu on an apprenticeship inaccountancy. apprenticeship an on Fujitsu Fred has moved down a markedly different route. different amarkedly down moved has Fred resource around the departments picking up up picking departments the around resource of youth-team colleagues Jamie Proctor and and Proctor Jamie colleagues of youth-team different knowledge from each area and and area each from knowledge different doing my AAT qualifications and then move on on move then and qualifications my AAT doing important to me. I joined as a finance apprentice, apprentice, afinance as to me. Ijoined important learning the different roles. different the learning experience as well wasexperience as education quite
“Looking back I could’ve maybe pushed myself myself pushed maybe Icould’ve back “Looking “Living with your mates and guys you’re guys playing and mates your with “Living “There are a lot of skills you can pick up from from up pick can you of skills alot are “There While Fred admits that he still harbours harbours still he that admits Fred While that his two years in the North West were were West North inthe years two his that two year’s I spent at Preston were two of the of the two were Preston at year’s Ispent two football with is something that you can only only can you that something is with football football, in particular disciplinary and mental mental and disciplinary inparticular football, footsteps into accountancy.” into footsteps you have to make the most of it – that said the the said –that of it have toyou make most the skills that are transferable into the wider wider into the transferable are that skills as you’reas 17–18 Your life whole years-old. harder but hindsight’s a wonderful thing,” Fred awonderful hindsight’s but harder regrets about his football career, he maintains career, maintains he football his about regrets working world especially if you keep an open open an keep you if especially world working hard, especially quite you hit can it contracts professional about club) make decisions continued. “I thought I was doing everything everything doing Iwas “I thought continued. revolves around football and it can be quite quite be can it and football around revolves mind and that helped me follow inmy Mum’s follow me helped that and mind (the they When well. so doing with played best years I‘ve had. I‘ve years best because I had a lot of support and guidance. and of support alot Ihad because daunting but my transition wasn’t too difficult difficult wasn’t too my transition but daunting I could but you might only have one chance so so chance have one only might you but I could extremely valuable. extremely enjoy and it’s great to see people you’ve you’ve people to see great it’s and enjoy
Jamie programme via LFE’s Player Leonardo funded Placement initially making the switchScandinavia to is making his mark in Sweden after Former York winger City Jamie Hopcutt
Hopcutt
he first year “ of the season.” the final day on promotion really, won we better any gone have couldn’t T
“I knew the manager (Potter) here and he he and here (Potter) manager the “I knew “I came out here at 19 at here out I’m and “I and year came 22this “I was gutted to leave York to leave I’m but “I gutted grateful was better any gone have couldn’t year first “The “We faced Elsfborg in the Swedish version of of version Swedish inthe Elsfborg faced “We That helped earn him a new deal under boss boss under deal himanew earn helped That Tadcaster Albion after being released by the by the released being after Tadcaster Albion for playing been had who youngster The The FA Cup in March and they were playing FA playing were The Cup they and inMarch Swedish football. Swedish, everyone speaks good English and good speaks Swedish, everyone Graham Potter, himself a former York aformer Potter, Graham player himself Championship club inEngland. club Championship opportunity. this of tier second –the Superettan to the to club promotion new his helping pitch the far I’ve come,”far I’ve Hopcutt. added I’m inareally because now happened it that of that part to be good was it and season the suggested doing the player placement placement player the doing suggested Hopcutt said. Hopcutt Hopcutt who admits that he, that “has loved admits who Hopcutt and the winger admits that he is grateful for for grateful is he that admits winger the and at the fact I was playing in front of 50 people people of 50 infront playing Iwas fact the at a with comparable and to none second are town. the and club for the achievement offirst his months three just after Ministermen just that here, there’s not many distractions, here, there’s that many distractions, not just joined Ostersunds FK in2012, FK Ostersunds joined LFE’s via player we train every day and the facilities at the club club the at facilities the and day every train we me take stock and work out if Iliked if it,” out work and takestock me on impact immediate an made and country” “adopted inhis oftime his most the making my own which has been great, my girlfriend’s my girlfriend’s great, been has which my own day of final the on really, promotion won we programme through LFE, which really helped helped really which LFE, through programme placement programme. Crescent – Bootham at contract professional develop. I’ve had the perfect situation to do to do situation perfect the had I’ve develop. good position over here – I’ve been living on on living been –I’ve here over position good in non-league two years ago it shows how how shows it ago years two in non-league to period apivotal that’s of football in terms in the Europa League last year. When I look year. Ilook last When League Europa in the I’m settled. really every minute of his Swedish sojourn” is sojourn”is ofSwedish his minute every
17 LFE Apprentice of the Year The Football League Awards CHAMPIONSHIP What they’ve been tweeting Follow us: @LFEonline
With so many current and ex apprentices on Twitter, we’ve picked out some of the best tweets we’ve seen recently: Mason Derby County’s apprentice line-up Bournemouth’s Ed Tierney passes on his best wishes to a peer @dcfcacademy DerbyCountyAcademy Ed Tierney @EdTierney1 @dcfcacademy scholars ready to get some crucial hope you’re well happy birthday @CornickH advice from Create Your Legacy event Bennett mate. Hearing good reports, keep it up pal! @warwickuni #careers Derby County ‘Time to work hard & progress’ – just the right attitude from a delighted Callum Burton Callum Burton @Cal_Burton96 Delighted to have signed my 1st professional contract for Shrewsbury today. Time to push on, work hard and progress! Former West Brom apprentice (now Staffs University) Gez Mulholland, enjoyed working for LFE at #CYL Gez Mulholland @GezMulholland for @LFEonline yesterday at interviewing @fmuamba the Create Your Legacy exhibition. Great experience #CYL2014 #LFE Mason Bennett claimed the The youngster already knew a thing or two with such football commitments who has tried Championship crown after fending about being in the spotlight after making his so hard to complete his education programme. Derby debut under the glare of Championship “This considerable effort is no doubt due to off competition from Huddersfield floodlights as a 15-year-old back in 2011 Mason attaching a huge value to achieving the during a 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough – the Town’s Jake Charles and academic aspects of his programme.” Middlesbrough’s Bryn Morris shirt he wore on that day is now framed and Bristol Rovers goalkeeper, Kieran Preston talks to Fabrice Muamba On the football front Derby County’s academy Josh Brownhill puts pen to paper after starring for Preston this term lives at his grandmother Gene’s house. kieran @kieranprest0n The much-deserved accolade found its way manager Darren Wassall said: That appearance made him the youngest @LFEonline: Anyone up for a bout of verbal Josh Brownhill @Brownhill10 to Mason Bennett shortly after he temporarily @fmuamba maybe with @Official_BRFC “He has power, pace and strength beyond his tennis? Glad to have signed a 2 and half year professional left Pride Park to join promotion chasing League player ever in the club’s history and U18s players #CYL contract with @pnefc Two Chesterfield on loan. Bennett made six unsurprisingly the young forward also has the years. He is a natural goal scorer and mature appearances for the Spireites before being distinction of being the club’s youngest for his age”. While the young forward is recalled by Steve McLaren ahead of the Rams goal-scorer after scoring against Tranmere hungry to play a part in promotion chasing play-off campaign. Rovers in the FA Cup Third Round last term at Derby’s play-off games, he should not be too On winning the award, Bennett said: the age of 16 years and 174 days old. concerned if he has to wait a little longer to make an impact with first-team boss Steve England youth international Bennett has now “It’s a great achievement for me personally and McLaren earmarking him as one for the future: for my family. I’d like to thank the academy made over 30 appearances for the Rams and Ben Newbould enjoyed talking to apprentices about what he’s and the manager for giving me the opportunity.” was described as an “excellent ambassador” “We see him as a big player for us next season,” learned since leaving York City for the club in his nomination. LFE regional McLaren said. Velocity PT Academy @Velocity1stPT “It’s been very hard because I haven’t had @CTFCofficial YT’s through officer John Barton added: @MrBenNewbould taking much time to concentrate on my LFE work but “We wanted him to get some experience and Create Your Legacy their paces at @LFEonline there’s a great education officer at Derby who “Over the years of dealing with a large number go above under-21 matches to test himself in has helped me get through it.” of apprentices I have not known an apprentice League football.” 18 19 • Minimum annual salary after 6 months’ service - £17,767 • Free sports facilities and gym membership • Opportunities to play your favourite sports (visit royalairforcefa.com for more details) • 6 weeks’ paid leave • Free medical and dental care • Opportunities for world wide travel