Let’s take a closer look at February’s 11 and find out why each apprentice was selected.
Daniel Ezendu – Bristol City
Robins midfielder Daniel Ezendu has enjoyed fine progress this season as a second-year apprentice, both in a sporting and academic sense.
On the pitch, Daniel has already signed his first professional contract with the Championship club, a testament to his ability and hard work. He has been named on the bench for a league fixture against Sheffield Wednesday and regularly trains with Gerhard Struber’s side. He also won LFE’s Goal of the Month award in September for his perfectly weighted free kick against Brentford.
Daniel is flourishing in the classroom, too. He is on track to achieve an A/A* in his Psychology A-Level and is achieving distinctions in all of his BTEC assignments.
“Daniel is an exceptionally hard-working young man who consistently demonstrates outstanding determination and professionalism. It’s been fantastic to see him earn his first professional contract through his commitment on the pitch, while also excelling academically. He is a true example of dedication both in sport and in education,” said Jodie Baker, Head of Education at the club.
Ethan Pike – Leyton Orient
Ethan Pike’s development at Leyton Orient has been described as a great reflection of the phrase “you get out what you put in” by Dannie Tippett, Academy Goalkeeper Coach at the club. “His commitment to his development, both on and off the pitch, has been excellent, and he sets a fantastic example for future goalkeepers coming through the programme. I commend the gentleman he has moulded himself into,” added Tippett.
Ethan is also excelling in the classroom. “He has continually outperformed the algorithm that calculates the BTEC target grades at the start of the course, achieving distinction grades in all but one unit so far,” said David Bass, Head of Education at the O’s. “With just a couple more assignments to complete before finishing the course, this ‘MP’ student is currently working at DD. In addition, he was one of the first in his cohort to complete his End Point Assessment, achieving a distinction in the process.”
The shot-stopper has achieved all of the above success despite also having to adjust to living away from home. “He joined the club as an U16 and has now settled into life with his host family in Leytonstone, where he is considered an extended member of the family,” said Christian Davies, Head of Player Care at the East London outfit.
Herbie Shaw – Colchester United
“Herbie is an outstanding scholar; he’s really maximised his time as an apprentice with us. His focus and commitment to personal development are exemplary, both on and off the pitch, with his behaviour consistently setting standards for those around him,” were the first words from Lewis Dallas, Head of Education at the U’s, when asked about the young defender who has been with the club since the age of six.
Studying the BTEC Extended Diploma, Herbie has achieved a distinction grade in every unit, all while completing an A-Level in Psychology (predicted to achieve an A grade). His professionalism and humility in the classroom are also mirrored away from the club, where he has volunteered at a local food bank and supported a Christmas donation campaign. The club received glowing references from those involved, praising his dedication and commitment to the cause.
On the pitch, Herbie has made great strides this season after overcoming an ACL injury in his first year on the programme. He is now a mainstay in the U18s side and has captained the team on several occasions.
Nikos Szczesny – Notts County
Nikos Szczesny is an apprentice who is excelling in every area of the apprenticeship programme. Academically, in his second year he has set the bar high, maintaining 100% attendance and producing a portfolio of work that is consistently above his target grades. He is on track to achieve DDD* in his BTEC Extended Diploma and is predicted to achieve a B in his A-Level in Biology. He has also completed all of his extended units ahead of the rest of the group, an achievement that reflects his organisation and maturity.
Alongside his development in the classroom, Nikos has completed a number of short work experience placements across a range of industries, including barbering, construction and automotive. In addition, he has taken part in community-centred initiatives, working to inspire young females to get involved in sport and supporting one-to-one reading sessions with primary school children.
He has also made significant strides on the footballing side of his apprenticeship, training full-time with the B team and captaining the side on one occasion, becoming the first-ever second-year apprentice to do so. The midfielder has also trained regularly with the first team and has been named on the bench this season, a strong reflection of the progress he has made.
“Nikos has shown professionalism, maturity and exceptional leadership across all areas of the apprenticeship programme. He continues to set high standards and is a credit to the academy,” said Josh Bradshaw, Head of Education at the Magpies.
Jake Hopper – Hull City
Jake Hopper is a second-year goalkeeper at Hull City who has excelled in all areas of the programme so far. “His commitment to personal development, both on and off the pitch, is exceptional and sets him apart from his peers,” noted Dean Jennings, Head of Education at the Tigers.
On the pitch, Jake’s work rate has been described as “relentless”, as he is eager to analyse and refine every aspect of his performance. “He actively seeks feedback, embraces challenges and demonstrates a genuine desire to improve. His professionalism, dedication and attention to detail make him a natural leader within the group and a role model for aspiring young keepers across the academy. He consistently sets the standard in his preparation, attitude and application.”
Jake’s achievements are equally impressive academically. “He produces outstanding work in his BTEC studies and has progressed significantly from his initial target grade. He is now on course to achieve an impressive D*DD grade, reflecting both his ability and work ethic. Within his Sporting Excellence Professional programme, he has successfully completed all End Point Assessments at distinction level, demonstrating his commitment to excellence — even using time on the treatment table to complete assignments while recovering.”
“Jake is a bright, intelligent and hardworking young man who epitomises the qualities of an aspiring professional footballer. He should be immensely proud of everything he has accomplished so far. He has a very bright future ahead of him.”
James Ward – Derby County
Derby County’s James Ward has been described as a “valued member of the academy” and someone who “consistently demonstrates a polite, hardworking and professional attitude around the training ground” by Emma Hornsby, the club’s Head of Education.
Highly receptive to new information and committed to developing both on and off the pitch, James is said to be articulate and proactive in working with academy staff to enhance his knowledge and understanding.
Academically, James is currently working above his target grade in his BTEC. “He consistently goes above and beyond in his approach to education,” added Hornsby.
The Rams U18s forward has also taken part in a number of initiatives with local primary schools, refereeing a tournament for pupils on one occasion and reading with them on another. In both instances, James was described as warm, welcoming and approachable.
Josh Cappin – Mansfield Town
Stags apprentice Josh Cappin is someone who has “consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to balance the demands of elite football participation alongside strong academic and personal development commitments,” according to the club’s Head of Education, Thomas Chapman.
Josh is undertaking A Levels alongside his BTEC responsibilities. “His organisation, time management and maturity enable him to meet academic deadlines without compromise, reflecting a strong work ethic and clear prioritisation of his goals,” added Chapman.
Personal development is also important to Josh, with the second-year scholar a keen pianist. He has also approached his transition with immense maturity and proactivity, having already secured an interview with Rolls-Royce for a highly sought-after management position.
Luke Hodgetts – Exeter City
Grecians apprentice Luke Hodgetts has shown tremendous resilience and maturity this year after suffering a devastating season-ending knee injury during pre-season.
Luke’s absence from the pitch has allowed him to focus even more diligently on his studies throughout the year. He is on course to achieve DDD* in his BTEC Extended Diploma, earning a distinction in every assignment. The second-year apprentice has also demonstrated excellent organisational skills and proactivity by arranging university visits and researching different courses. He is now set to attend university to study Business upon the conclusion of his apprenticeship at Exeter.
In addition, Luke has actively supported and participated in Exeter City Community initiatives, including holiday camps, school visits and serving Christmas dinners to those in need.
“Remarkably, Luke has achieved all of this while fully committing to his daily rehabilitation. He has made excellent progress and consistently demonstrates the mindset required to overcome a long-term injury,” said Josh Cann, Head of Education at the club.
Michael Campbell – Birmingham City
“A true credit to himself, his family and the programme,” were the words of Tim Smith, Birmingham City’s Head of Education, when asked about Michael Campbell.
On the pitch, the first-year apprentice has endured a difficult start to his apprenticeship but has shown immense resilience, coming back stronger after an extended period on the sidelines. After 10 months out, the forward has now established himself within the U18s squad and has recently also been involved with the U21s.
Academically, Michael is thriving. He is working at distinction level in all of his BTEC assignments and achieving top marks in the three A levels he is studying: Biology, Chemistry and Maths.
Ryan Doherty – Stevenage (now of Ipswich Town)
Ryan Doherty is an apprentice who has had to deal with the demands of balancing not just football and education this season, but also first-team commitments and even a mid-season transfer. Due to his significant progress on the pitch, having featured a number of times for the Boro’s senior side over the course of his apprenticeship, Ryan has recently earned a move to Championship side Ipswich Town in a six-figure deal.
The midfielder’s work academically is also a testament to the high standards he sets for himself. “He’s managed to maintain a strong work ethic on and off the pitch. His attendance and punctuality have been excellent, and he has displayed a mature attitude in the classroom. He achieved a distinction in his Sporting Excellence Professional Certificate and continues to work hard towards completing his BTEC,” said Louise Gillen, Academy Player Care at the Hertfordshire club.
“Throughout the season, Ryan has demonstrated strong professionalism in balancing all of these expectations. His willingness to learn, adapt and contribute to a senior environment has been noted by staff, reflecting his continuous improvement and readiness to take the next step in his career,” added Louise.
Stan Straw – Walsall
Defender Stan Straw is thriving for the Saddlers this season. He made his first-team debut in September against Shrewsbury Town and has since made a further three appearances. Captain of the U18s side, Straw is said to lead by example. “It’s not just about ability with Stan; it’s about his game management, organisation and communication with teammates,” said Andy Burman, Head of Education at the club.
Away from the pitch, Stan has also set high standards, completing his Sporting Excellence Professional Certificate with a distinction. He is also due to complete his BTEC Extended Diploma soon. In addition to his impressive achievements in the classroom, he is a qualified referee and a UEFA C-licensed coach.
Stan also goes the extra mile through extracurricular activities, showing exemplary compassion and care for the wider community by taking part in initiatives such as delivering food parcels to local families and volunteering at a food bank.
