Let’s take a closer look at April’s 11 and find out why each apprentice was included…
Kaidon Robinson – Birmingham City
Birmingham City’s Kaidon Robinson began his apprenticeship in a difficult position due to a disrupted experience educationally as a schoolboy. After underachieving in his GCSE’s, Kaiden was enrolled onto the BTEC certificate and was required to undertake Functional Skills in both Maths and English.
Over the past few months however, Kaidon has come on leaps and bounds in the classroom, with his BTEC work of a distinction standard consistently. Due to this, the Academy staff have moved him up to the Diploma. Functional Skills wise he has already passed English and is very close to completing his Maths qualification. Kaidon has also “significantly contributed” to the Club’s Citizenship programme by attending local primary schools and supporting the Buddy Reading scheme.
“He is a real credit to himself, his family and the Academy” said Tim Smith, Academy Head of Education.
Adam Letlat – West Bromwich Albion
First-year apprentice Adam Letlat has enjoyed a successful year to date on the programme. On the pitch he contributed with some great performances in the U18s’ FA Youth Cup run, with a tremendous individual showing in their win against Stoke City. His good form led to a call up to the Morocco U17s squad, for whom he recently represented in Turkey.
In the classroom Adam has also shone, studying hard and is yet to drop a grade in the BTEC programme, achieving distinction grades for all his submissions.
Carl Craner, Adam’s LFE Regional Officer said: “Adam has performed well in the classroom and has coped well with having to ‘catch up’ with work missed when on international duty. He is self-motivated and has had a solid season.”
Ruebin Sheppard – Bristol City
Robins’ midfielder Ruebin Sheppard has experienced a real change in fortunes this season after a heavily disrupted first year on programme due to a long injury lay off. This year he’s played lots of football and has been integral to the success Bristol City’s U18s squad have enjoyed. Ruebin is one of the top goal scorers, with his eye for a goal evident from the two LFE Goal of the Month awards he has won this season.
Ruebin is flying high academically too. He’s working at a D*D*D* in his BTEC and is targeting an A grade in his A Level Maths. He recently achieved an A in a mock test which will give him confidence going into the real thing.
Will Morford, Ruebin’s LFE Regional Officer, said: “Ruebin is a great lad. He never complains and has lots of personality.”
Jake Richards – Exeter City
It’s been a whirlwind of a season for Exeter’s Jake Richards, one that has brought much success. On the pitch, Jake has excelled massively, making almost 20 appearances for the Grecians first team and registering three goal contributions in the process. He recently started for Gary Caldwell’s side against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, a game that was televised.
Alongside his fantastic footballing progress, he’s excelled in the classroom too. Despite not being able to attend college consistently due to his involvement with the first team, Jake has kept on track with his work, achieved distinctions in all his assignments and is set to achieve a D*D* grade. The midfielder also takes part in lots of work with the Club’s Community Organisation, such as visiting hospitals with presents and attending kids’ clubs throughout half term.
Jose Marquez – Forest Green Rovers
Jose Marquez is a third-year scholar at Forest Green Rovers after having his apprenticeship extended due to suffering an ACL injury during his first year on programme. The young forward successfully completed his SEP and BTEC last year but still makes the effort to undertake Life Skills sessions with the first- and second-year apprentices.
On the pitch, Jose has really excelled this season and has seen his hard work to get back fit after his injury rewarded, most notably with a first professional contract. He made his debut for the first team in January against Blackburn Rovers U21s in the National League Cup and topped that off with a brace. He’s also been out on loan recently at step three side Hungerford and impressed greatly, scoring nine goals and winning a POTM award.
Charlie Watt, Player Care Manager at Forest Green, said: “After suffering a bad injury Jose kept his determination to succeed and did everything he could to earn a professional contract.”
Joe Hatch – Plymouth Argyle
Argyle forward Joe Hatch experienced a terrific start to the 2024/25 season, netting nine goals in his opening six games for the U18s. This red-hot form let to a first team call up from then Plymouth boss Wayne Rooney. Joe made his Championship debut as a late substitute in an away match against Burnley. He notched another two goals for the U18s following his maiden first team appearance but agonisingly saw his season cut short in October after injuring his knee.
However, Joe has used his time on the sidelines to work hard on his academic studies, attending 11 compensatory education sessions and achieving a D*D*D* in his BTEC. He was also the first apprentice at the Club to complete his Sporting Excellence Professional award, achieving a Distinction overall.
Joe also goes the extra mile in the community too. He’s attended numerous primary schools conducting Q&As in assemblies. He also took part in the Plymouth Soup Run, an initiative that provides food and drink to homeless and vulnerable people daily. He’s also completed his refereeing course.
Gary Menzies, Head of Education at the Club, said: “Joe has shown great resilience while injured, working hard on his rehab in the gym and educationally to keep himself occupied.”
Lucas Barnes – Harrogate Town
Lucas Barnes is an apprentice who sets the standard both in a sporting and academic sense. Educationally Lucas was the first apprentice to complete his BTEC and achieved a Distinction in his Sporting Excellence Professional End Point Assessment. His attitude and behaviour have been described as “exemplary”, and it’s said he is the “first one in and last one to leave”.
Lucas has been offered a one-year professional contract for next season after an impressive campaign with the U18s. He’s transitioned from a right-back to central midfielder and this change has seen him excel even more. Academy Manager Richard Jones said: “He is the driving force of the team, and this season has made big strides on his technical skills, awareness of space and his pressing ability – a large part of how we want to play at Harrogate. He has already earned a bench appearance in the league, but we are excited to see what next season brings for him being in a full-time environment. He has certainly earned and worked for the opportunity that has been given to him”.
Harry Hindle – Harrogate Town
Harry Hindle has shown “excellent and professional attitude throughout the whole of his apprenticeship” according to Academy Manager Richard Jones.
The second-year apprentice already has his transition plan in place and is keen to study at university from September. He’s been offered a conditional place at York St Johns University and has a keen interest in physiotherapy. Harry has put time into learning about physiotherapy in detail, specifically rehabilitation having experienced periods of this himself after a challenging time with injuries. Despite his setbacks he has shown great determination and resilience to get back fit and make himself a key player in the team.
He’s also acted as a model apprentice away from the pitch and classroom, making an impact on a member of the community who has experienced times of adversity. “He has been recognised by the Club at the very top level for his great representation of himself and Harrogate Town AFC.”
Jasper Briggs – Cambridge United
Second-year apprentice goalkeeper Jasper Briggs has endured setbacks with injury during his time on programme but has always kept a positive mindset towards both his football and education. He’s achieved far above his target grades in his BTEC and earnt a Distinction in his Sporting Excellence Professional End Point Assessment. He’s also shown a real proactiveness with regards to his transition, setting up work experience and networking with other people.
On the grass Jasper has displayed real resilience to recover from injury and earn himself first team recognition, being named on the bench for the first time against Shrewsbury Town at the beginning of April.
Harsh Joshi, Head of Education at Cambridge United, said: “JJ has shown great enthusiasm in his apprenticeship. After earning a distinction on his SEP EPA after Christmas, he has continued to excel in his BTEC studies and is on track to exceed his entry grade.
“JJ is always eager to learn and ask questions. He has leveraged his UEFA C coaching qualification he completed in March and is now currently coaching young goalkeepers gaining valuable experience.
“He has developed excellent skills, behaviour, and knowledge during his apprenticeship and LFE’s Life Skills and Personal Development programme has significantly contributed to his holistic growth on and off the pitch.”
Jokubas Mazionas – Ipswich Town
Second-year Tractor Boys apprentice Jokubas Mazionas experienced a slightly different route into the academy system, joining the Club from a college where he was studying Film Studies.. He almost immediately went into the U21s where he has played most of his football for Ipswich, before a recent loan move to National League side Woking which he is said to have thoroughly enjoyed and is hopeful of a return before the end of the season. The loan move, however, meant Jokubas had to adapt in order to stay on track with his education and he certainly did that. Elliot Tyler, Head of Education at the Club, said: “Jacob has managed his studies effectively throughout the course, particularly whilst being away on loan and working remotely from home. Despite a recent setback with injury, he has certainly made the most of his time by catching up on both his BTEC and SEP work to complete on schedule to his target grades.”
Jokubas’ BTEC tutor, Ian Kershaw, added: “Jacob has worked well this year to complete his units and has made an excellent turn around this year. He has worked hard and has set high standards.”
Kai Martin – Colchester United
Kai Martin has been described as an apprentice who “shows a winning mentality every single day” by one of his coaches Elliot Ward.
Educationally, Kai has really gone the extra mile this year. “Kai achieved a distinction is his Sporting Excellence Professional portfolio, presenting professionally and intelligently throughout the end point process. He demonstrated a strong understanding of the holistic programme, which is testament to the relationship that he has built with all MDT staff. He achieved his target grade in BTEC but his biggest successes this year have come more from the studying that he has completed outside of his formal education through reading books and showing a deeper level of understanding. He has then be able to apply these to every day challenges which has really helped him with his decision of a professional contract.”
Player Care Manager, Sean Thacker, added: “I was thoroughly delighted to hear of the decision to offer Kai a new contract, which from my position is well deserved for the manner in which he has carried himself and dealt with some setbacks during his scholarship years. Kai’s positive outlook, willingness to expand his learning and consistent smile has been complemented by his always being polite and respectful. Kai is an inspiration to other young boys in our academy.”
