The Iron academy’s second year scholar Tom Collins has been hailed for on and off-the-pitch achievements.
The goalkeeper is amongst 11 young footballers to have been recognised by League Football Education (LFE). ‘The 11’ acknowledges the football and academic progress of Under-18 players on apprenticeships at current or former EFL clubs - and is also designed to assess other factors, including involvement in community or charity-based initiatives.
During the 2019-20 season, 33 apprentices will be selected for the award, which celebrates the holistic development of young players and is a barometer applied to the LFE Apprentice of the Year awards. All three Academy players to triumph at the EFL Awards last April – Max Bird (Derby County), Daniel Adshead (Rochdale AFC – now Norwich City) and Arthur Iontton (Stevenage) – were also previously named in The 11.
Elsewhere, other notable Academy graduates to earn the accolade includes Dominic Calvert-Lewin (formerly of Sheffield United), Lewis Cook (formerly of Leeds United), Ademola Lookman (formerly of Charlton Athletic), Oli McBurnie (formerly of Bradford City) and Ryan Sessegnon (formerly of Fulham).
Previously, the Iron's Adam Kelsey and Tom Pugh have both been named in "The 11" in recent campaigns.
LFE chief executive Sarah Stephen added: “The 11 is directly associated with apprentice reviews that are conducted by our regional officers throughout the season. It is a great way to highlight the achievements and progression of talented young footballers who apply themselves to all aspects of their apprenticeship.”
Tom Collins (Scunthorpe United)Tom has enjoyed a hugely successful second year both on and off the pitch. The teenage goalkeeper started the season by penning his first professional contract, and has since been promoted to first-team training and was called up for an England training camp back in August. Alongside this, he has managed to keep on top of his academic commitments, working hard to attain an exceptional grade profile of D*D*D* on the Extended Diploma. Ian James, Education Officer, told LFE: “Tom has had an excellent season so far at the Academy. As a valued member of the Youth Team Leadership Team, he has been able to take part and contribute in meetings with senior staff. “During pre-season, Tom went on a training camp to the National Centre in Largs, where he was a great help to the staff with his organising ability, being able to communicate information to the other apprentices and being a sounding board after activities had taken place. “He was also involved in engaging in the mentoring programme at St Lawrence Academy, working with ‘hard to reach’ students in Years 7 and 8. Tom leads from the front in his own way and has been a good role model to our younger players.” |
A full list of "The 11" are as follows:
- Okem Chime (Barnet)
- Isaac Whitehall (Blackburn Rovers)
- Jake Hutchinson (Colchester United)
- Eiran Cashin (Derby County)
- Sam Long (Lincoln City)
- Michael Statham (Nottingham Forest)
- Harrison Burrows (Peterborough United)
- Jarvis Cleal (Plymouth Argyle)
- Joe Nolan (Preston North End)
- Tom Collins (Scunthorpe United)
- Joe Gelhardt (Wigan Athletic)