#42 AUG 21 - League Football Education
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#42 AUG 21 Harry O’Brien Casey Pettit Ben Radcliffe Jamil Roberts Dylan Stringer-Moth The former apprentice talks about retirement, resilience and rebuilding
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’.
Assessment Trials
Careers Warren Sung Liam Ravenhill
LFE learners can NOV Accrington Stanley Doncaster Rovers
LFE’s Assessment Trials took take advantage
of employment
2020 Matthew Cox Fraser Alexander
place at the end of June, AFC Wimbledon Ipswich Town
opportunities thanks to
featuring players from EFL, LFE’s partnerships with
Premier League and National Charlie Wood Henry Popple
a variety of different
League clubs who were Bradford City Middlesbrough
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
acato@lfe.org.uk 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 Leeds 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 Saleem Akanbi Antony Papadopoulos
If you would like to contribute, which are often mandatory requirements lfe.org.uk/touchline-
MAY Cambridge United Leyton Orient
contact Kelly Butterworth, Projects when applying for jobs in coaching and downloads 2021 James Beadle Casey Pettit
Officer (kbutterworth@lfe.org.uk) management within professional football. lfe.org.uk
Charlton Athletic Luton Town
or LFE Communications For more information,
lfe.org.uk
American Schola
A guide for players,
rships
parents and guardians
Connor O’Riordan Josh Coburn
For entry in 2021
(communications@lfe.org.uk). visit thepfa.com/players/education
Higher Education
Applications
A guide for players,
parents and guardians
Crewe Alexandra Middlesbrough
For entry in 2021
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
Hassan Ayari EFL Youth Alliance
1ST Sheffield United
September Winner
Will Trueman | Sheffield Wednesday
LFE League One
Southern Merit League One
Plymouth Argyle
Apprentice of the Season
Liam Thomas EFL Youth Alliance
Lewis Johnson | Milton Keynes Dons
2ND Shrewsbury Town
October Winner LFE League Two
Southern Merit League Two
Southend United
Apprentice of the Season
Jamal Salawu EFL Youth Alliance
3RD Plymouth Argyle
May Winner
Felix Miles | Cheltenham Town Southern Merit League Three
AFC Bournemouth
Sky Bet League One
Player of the Season EFL Youth Alliance Cup
Rob Apter
4TH Blackpool
January Winner
Jonson Clarke-Harris | Coventry City –
now Peterborough United
Rochdale AFC
U18 Professional Development
Elijah Coe PFA Player in the Community League North
5TH Oxford United
November Winner
Will Vaulks | Tranmere Rovers – now Cardiff City Wigan Athletic
Sky Bet Championship Team of the Year U18 Professional Development
Haroon Salah League South
6TH Rotherham United
December Winner
Max Aarons | Norwich City
Sean Morrison | Swindon Town – now Cardiff City Charlton Athletic
Alex Mowatt | Leeds United – now Barnsley U18 Professional Development
Max McMillan League National Play-offs
7TH Leeds United
March Winner
Ivan Toney | Northampton Town – now Brentford
Wigan Athletic
Sky Bet League One Team of the Year
Mark Beevers | Sheffield Wednesday –
U18 Premier League North
Matt Reed
8TH Bristol Rovers
LFE ‘Best Runner-up’
now Peterborough United
Lee Burge | Coventry City – now Sunderland
Manchester City
U18 Premier League South
Jonson Clarke-Harris | Coventry City – Fulham
Daniel Jebbison
9TH Sheffield United
April Winner
now Peterborough United
Luke O’Nien | Watford – now Sunderland
U18 Premier League National Play-offs
Manchester City
Charlie Wyke | Middlesbrough – now Sunderland
Ollie Bate U18 Premier League Cup
10TH Millwall
February Winner
Sky Bet League Two Team of the Year Manchester City
Will Boyle | Huddersfield Town –
FA Youth Cup
now Cheltenham Town
Click here to view all of this Aston Villa
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 Gigg Lane 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, Darren Ferguson, pulled
“All I want to do is help people and show
“I was ordering takeaway me in for a chat and went
after takeaway. Anyone that through clips of me, saying
knows me is aware that I love what I do well and what he
that it’s possible to use a negative
going to the gym, but I lost all wanted me to improve on. As
motivation, even though I had 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
that I had a lot of support and
was able to find a way out of
situation to gain a positive outcome.” be explaining exactly why he
wanted to sign me, I couldn’t
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 England 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,” charge counselling service for
“I was in hospital having all sorts part of the process of dealing
to me,” he added. “The gaffer career.” the Essex-born teenager said. people in need.
of different procedures and they with it. I’m effectively grieving
let me go home for as long as Having identified business and “I’ve got two main goals at the
thought I might’ve had a mini “There are some really nice for the loss of my career. Some
I needed and then I messaged coaching as his two preferred moment, which are to either
stroke. It was a scary time and I people in the world and every people are quite scared to talk
the Academy Manager, Kieran pathways, Copping juggles become a first-team manager or
remember being stood outside donation we’ve received to me about it, but I try to make
Scarff, asking what they could his time as Head of Schools a sporting director, so to have
the hospital crying my eyes out, has helped us to progress, it a normal topic of conversation.
offer me. He came back with Initiatives, Operations Manager the chance to gain experience
because I’d been told I couldn’t whether it’s been used to buy Everything happens for a reason
multiple suggestions, so they’d of the women’s team, Under- and qualifications in both areas
play football again.” 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 Additionally, he is using his I retired, so to be in the position
attempts to find a suitable
I felt I wanted to go and they spare time to achieve several I’m in already in such a short
medication, the decision was
actually created a new Business qualifications, completing space of time is fantastic and
made to protect his long-term
Operations position for me to scouting courses with S4 I couldn’t have done any of it
health and avoid any more
take on. I’m now doing four Scouting, becoming a fully without all the help I’ve had.”
trauma triggering episodes.
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
Players
6
Appearances
1
Player
1
Appearance
5
Players
16
Appearances
74
Players
123
Appearances
20
Players
83
Appearances
10
Players
12
Appearances
16
Players
43
Appearances
20
Players
20
Appearances
111 apprentices featured
for their club’s first team.
Most Apprentices
Used
8
94 of those players were
senior debutants.
Most Apprentice
Debutants
7
22 first
years
89 second
years
Most Apprentice
Appearances
45
42
clubs gave Most Individual
apprentices Appearances
first-team action.
LFE APPRENTICES WERE GIVEN Kwadwo
Baah
34
PLENTY OF FIRST-TEAM OPPORTUNITIES
304
(ROCHDALE)
total appearances
across eight
DURING THE 2020/21 SEASON competitions.
277 appearances in
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
it all just built up into one big fireball.
likely to take their own lives than women.
“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
time. It was a scary situation.
struggles came to a head in January 2019. “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
“people are going
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
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 help you if you
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.
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
open up, because
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
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 transfer to a larger university after that.
it’s normal.”
“There has been a stigma attached to men
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
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.
Register to access confidential
18 Touchline AUG 21 advice, support & videos. AUG 21 Touchline 19Will Trueman
S H EF F IEL D W ED NES D AY
Throughout his apprenticeship, Steven Haslam, Academy Manager,
Will Trueman has been a great said: “Will is an outstanding young
ambassador for Sheffield
Wednesday, showcasing
man and has continued his excellent
development throughout the
Will is an outstanding
tremendous professionalism
on and off the pitch.
apprenticeship. He is a valuable
player in our youth team and has
young man and has continued
The young midfielder has overcome stepped up to form part of our
Under-23 squad during his second
his excellent development
injury setbacks to make positive
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
APPRENTICE Under-23 group.
In the classroom, Trueman has
to our values of developing good
players and good people. It’s great
The Owls teenager, whose great
uncle was the late Fred Trueman
OF THE SEASON achieved the highest possible grade for the academy for one of our OBE, has not allowed his footballing
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: Bernard’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. the new apprentices who joined
soon as I was told, I rang my mum
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 21LEWIS JOHNSON
MILTON KEYNES DONS
FELIX MILES
C H ELTENH A M TOW N
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,
featuring nine times for the
to learning as much as he can
every time he trains. He has spent
He works extremely hard, made his professional debut, while
also progressing well on the BTEC
always taking risks, which is rare
in a young player. He works very
Felix’s attitude, application,
senior team and earning his
first professional contract.
a lot of time with the first-team
squad because of all of these
asks questions and shows Extended Diploma and Sporting
Excellence Professional (SEP).
hard, he’s polite and is always doing
extra to try and improve. I have
work rate and sheer desire
It is not just on the pitch where attributes and is a real example to
his peers in terms of his behaviour,
dedication to learning as much The Cheltenham Town teenager enjoyed having him in the first-team
environment and he is there on
to succeed is phenomenal.
he has found success, with the
17-year-old producing quality work professionalism and mindset.” as he can every time he trains. reached double figures in front
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.”
well as undertaking the National communication with his new BTEC learner, who displays an excellent apprentice. this stage in his career, having Miles’ commitment to education has
Citizen Service programme – a Tutors before starting the programme level of motivation in all aspects of Seventeen-year-old Miles was missed a lot of football over the seen him achieve in the classroom,
four-week course that provides last summer, in order to get a head- the course. years due to suffering from an extra
rewarded with a first-team 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
award,” Johnson said. “I must thank as well as supporting events to work, together with also regularly development and also read to local
“I feel really honoured to receive this “I have known Felix for the past nine
my family, first and foremost. I’d complement other schoolboys’ training and playing with the first years after he joined as an Under-9. primary school children over Zoom
award,” he said. “It’s been a really
also like to thank Jon Goodman learning and development. team, before being handed a on World Book Day.
great year for me. I’ve played a lot of Throughout his time with the club,
(Academy Manager) for guiding professional contract, has been Felix has been an exceptional young Academy Manager Antoine
Nathan Flynn, BTEC Course Leader games, got a nice number of goals
me along the right path, as well nothing short of exemplary.” man who has dealt with ups and
at MK College, said: “As with any and assists, and it’s been positive 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 school environment into balancing & Head of Education Bushell said: of football, with great maturity, with his tricks and outrageous goals
stayed on top of my schoolwork and football and education is often “Coming in every day and training resilience and always with a smile on over the years.
“Lewis has shown an awareness
performed to the best of my ability. and making that step up to be an his face.
difficult. However, for Lewis, it to develop himself in terms of
apprentice has been really good. The “He’s trained with the first team all
“I would like to thank my teammates, seemed almost second nature. individual and team performance, “Felix’s attitude, application, work
transition from Under-16s, where I season and made his debut for the
too, for supporting me and putting and has supported the schoolboys’ rate and sheer desire to succeed
“His willingness to embrace change didn’t really play too much, to then first team as an Under-17. Most
me in the best position to succeed, lockdown learning programme, is phenomenal – his mentality is
and adapt to different settings really playing solidly with the Under-18s, importantly, he’s developed into a
and, of course, Russell Martin for highlighting his player journey stronger than any other young player grounded young man who shows
helped to build a culture for the has been really good for me.”
giving me an opportunity to succeed, rest of the group, helping them to through an engaging presentation. I have worked with, especially when
Michael Duff, First Team Manager, respect, manners and exemplary
learn and grow in the first-team adapt and overcome any worries or “He is confident, reliable and dealing with the highs and lows behaviour in our environment and
environment.” said: “Felix’s creativity and ability that come with being a young man
anxieties. Lewis’ leadership qualities values feedback. He is a good the wider community.
on the ball caught my eye in pre- finding his way in a very competitive
Former First Team Manager Martin have shone through, establishing communicator and has developed
season and I felt he could cope “As a young man in the workplace,
added: “Lewis has been a credit to himself as someone who will not leadership skills, which support environment.
with the demands of training with Felix sets an extremely good
himself, his family and our academy. only act as a role model to the group, him in everyday life situations. the first team. He has trained with “From his strength and conditioning example and leads his age group
He has shown very early on in his but also as someone who they can Lewis has the strength of character, sessions, to his individual work,
us all season and he is constantly through his punctuality, work rate
first year as an apprentice that he look to for support. determination and knowledge to to performing at high level men’s
improving, moving the ball very and the way he embodies the club’s
has a mindset that sets himself progress through his education football on work experience, Felix’s
“He is keen to contribute to class well and scoring goals and assists values of honesty, integrity and
apart from other players and programme to a high level. He is a ability to put his mind to something
discussions and is never afraid to ask in training. respect.”
people his age. great asset to the group.”
for help. Lewis has developed into
22 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 23As 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 Jordan Henderson and Marcus
Rashford 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,
Pettit, who penned a professional contract at
the completion of his apprenticeship in July, has
“I also coach four teams, which range from Under-12s
to Under-14s. The apprenticeship offers different
opportunities and pathways, and coaching is one
2012, and thanks to the support and treatment
of Prostate Cancer UK, he’s still here today. I’ve
always wanted to repay the charity for everything
“The apprenticeship offers different
utilised his spare time to initiate a second career
pathway.
that I’ve discovered a real passion for.”
Pettit has received loyal support from his growing
they did for him, so I feel strongly about making
my mark and helping people.
opportunities and pathways,
The multifaceted teenager runs his own coaching
company away from the Sky Bet Championship
clientele, with some travelling from Luton to
his local field in Essex. And despite his playing
“When I was younger, I was a big West Ham fan
and went to a lot of the games, so after the final
and coaching is one that I’ve
club, working with individuals and teams, and
is currently studying for his UEFA B Coaching
progress, the first-year professional is keen to
continue his coaching project, which he insists is
whistle, I’d go down to the players’ car park
and take a shirt or a ball or something like that,
discovered a real passion for.”
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 27STEWY’S
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
SUPPORT
the news, along with hundreds of Safeguarding and those in other
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.”
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
but for me it was all about trying to make a difference
the next day, in the
changing room, the
staff spent an hour
and this work I believe is making a difference, because it with the players
discussing the session
is raising the awareness and educating the industry.
about how impactful
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 arichards@efl.com
In an emergency,
The FA Safeguarding Team or if someone is in
0800 169 1863 safeguarding@thefa.com immediate danger,
Ask to speak to The FA Safeguarding Team call the police on 999
(101 for non-emergencies)
NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000 help@nspcc.org.uk
30 Touchline AUG 21 AUG 21 Touchline 31BE 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,
professional club’. but I’m not concerned about that.
armband for their trip to eventual champions Aston Villa
“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 37COMMUNITY 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
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