Sunday evening saw the Grosvenor House Hotel in London host the 2024 EFL Awards, with numerous current and former LFE apprentices taking home personal accolades.
Firstly, Archie Gray of Leeds United picked up the Championship Apprentice of the Season award, as well as being named Championship Young Player of the Year. The all-action, versatile midfielder has made over 40 appearances for Daniel Farke’s side this season at just 18 years of age. Gray told LFE: “I’m really grateful to have won this award. There’s a lot of people that could have won both awards I have received. The Apprentice of the Season one takes into account all of the stuff you do off the pitch and for people to vote for me is really important to me.”
Northampton Town’s Reuben Wyatt went home with the League One Apprentice of the Season award following a hugely successful campaign on a personal level. The Cobblers midfielder has turned out for the first team in the EFL Trophy and has performed exceptionally in his educational endeavours. It’s the second time in two years that Northampton have seen one of their apprentices win an Apprentice of the Season award after Josh Tomlinson was named League Two Apprentice of the Season at last year’s awards. Wyatt told LFE: “It’s a privilege. It’s such a shock to receive it, but it’s really nice to see my hard work has been recognised.”
Callum Tripp of MK Dons meanwhile was named League Two Apprentice of the Season. The imposing midfielder has enjoyed a memorable season having made his first senior start back in August in the EFL Trophy, shortly followed by his League Two debut in October and FA Cup debut in November. Tripp told LFE: “To be honest, I can’t put it into words. I’ve had a great season, league debut, FA Cup debut. A huge thank you to my parents for everything they have done for me in helping me get to this position so far. I’m so happy to win this award, but now I’m looking ahead to next season and to try and improve.”
Elsewhere, four former LFE apprentices claimed various other awards on the night.
From left to right: Will Vaulks (ex Tranmere Rovers apprentice, now of Sheffield Wednesday) won EFL Player in the Community, Harrison Burrows (ex Peterborough United apprentice, still of Peterborough United) won EFL League One Player of the Year, Rob Apter (ex Blackpool apprentice, now of Tranmere Rovers) won EFL League Two Young Player of the Year, and Jodi Jones (ex Dagenham & Redbridge apprentice, now of Notts County) won EFL League Two Player of the Year.
