It is perhaps fitting that in apprenticeship week, The Football League announced its first shortlists for the Football League Awards 2016 – headlined by nine apprentice players.
The Football League Awards celebrate on and off pitch achievements across the League’s 72 clubs and are being held in Manchester for the first time on Sunday 17 April – the same date on which The Football League was officially formed in Manchester back in 1888.
Sponsored by LFE, one apprentice will be chosen from each division:
LFE Apprentice of the Year – Championship
- David Popa (Birmingham City)
- Ademola Lookman (Charlton Athletic)
- Mathew Hudson (Preston North End)
LFE Apprentice of the Year – League 1
- James Bree (Barnsley)
- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Blackpool)
- Thomas Smith (Swindon Town)
LFE Apprentice of the Year – League 2
- Hakeem Odoffin (Barnet)
- Frankie Musonda (Luton Town)
- Ben Godfrey (York City)
Alan Sykes, Chief Executive of League Football Education said, “The apprentices included on this shortlist deserve real praise for their performing on and off the pitch. This award recognises football and academic ability and highlights the excellent work that is taking place in producing young players across The Football League.”
