Let’s take a closer at November’s 11 and find out why each apprentice was included…
Hayden Bullas – Leyton Orient FC
Leyton Orient’s Hayden Bullas has continued to exceed expectations since the beginning of his apprenticeship and “embodies everything that is good about a Sporting Excellence Professional apprentice footballer” according to David Bass, Head of Education at the Club.
Academically, Bass said: “He has continued to mock the algorithm that calculates the target grade at the start of the course, achieving distinction grades for Unit D3 A3 (Sports Injuries) and Unit 4 A1 (Nutrition & Ant-Doping) in the process. With his first year now completed, this ‘PP’ student is currently working at D*D.”
On the pitch, Hayden has also been progressing too, travelling out to Spain in the summer for the first team’s pre-season training camp.
Teddy Tarbutton – QPR
Teddy Tarbutton is a first-year apprentice at QPR who has “hit the ground running” in the words of Academy Director, Alex Carroll.
The Hoops midfielder is said to display an outstanding attitude in everything he does, one that eclipses the expectations of someone his age.
“He is a credit to the club and his family. He is diligent, hardworking, organised, polite, and everything you would want from an apprentice,” added Carroll.
Tyler Sackey – Reading
Tyler Sackey epitomises the model apprentice with his ability to balance the demands of his first team and U21s commitments alongside his academic responsibilities. “Despite his busy schedule, Tyler ensures that he completes all his assignments to the best of his ability, never settling for less than his full effort. His commitment to his studies is further exemplified by his participation in additional sessions whenever his time permits,” said Reading’s Education Manager, Andrew Trott.
“What sets Tyler apart is his willingness to go above and beyond for the benefit of others. He regularly helps his classmates, offering support and guidance where needed, and contributes to creating a positive, collaborative learning environment,” added Trott.
Footballing wise, Tyler has also made great strides this season. The midfielder made his first team debut in August vs West Ham’s U21s at the age of 17, a game in which he scored. According to one of his coaches, Tyler has “immersed himself in understanding his role and responsibilities within the team framework in various positions. He is constantly asking questions and regularly watches videos of top midfield players to help himself improve.”
Seb Auton – Grimsby Town
It’s been a fantastic start to the season for second-year Grimsby Town apprentice Seb Auton. In the classroom, Seb has achieved distinction grades in all units of his BTEC Extended Diploma. He has also taken part in additional work and is ahead of where his tutors expected him to be in all areas of his apprenticeship. Callum Lester, Professional Development Phase Coach at the club said: “He strives to achieve the highest possible grades and in-turn has completed his SEP Portfolio and been entered to gateway to complete the qualification.”
On the pitch, Seb has also really excelled. The young shot-stopper made his EFL League Two debut in September during an away match at Carlisle United, coming on as a 16th minute substitute with the Mariners losing 1-0. Grimsby went on to win the game 2-3, with Seb putting in an outstanding display. He’s since been named on the bench on multiple occasions. “He is a great role model for the first-year apprentices and also the schoolboy academy players, taking any opportunity to guide or help them,” added Lester.
Tyrese Warmington – Birmingham City
Tyrese Warmington is a second-year apprentice goalkeeper who is developing well in all areas of his apprenticeship. He’s recently spent some time on loan at non-league side Coleshill Town and has performed brilliantly for the Colemen. He is said to be balancing his training at the academy alongside his role as a non-league footballer with “extreme tenacity, professionalism, and hard work.”
Educationally he’s completed his Sporting Excellence Professional portfolio and is in the process of opening Gateway. However, his main achievements in the classroom are in BTEC. His target grades are PP, yet in his most recent review he is working at D*D*.
Tyrese also goes the extra mile with extra-curricular activities. He attends a primary school where he takes part in ‘Buddy Reading’ to KS1 and KS2 children. Head of Education at Birmingham City, Tim Smith, said: “He attends once a month and really gives 100% effort to it, and has built fantastic relationships with the school pupils.”
Daniel Gonzalez – Swindon Town
Swindon Town’s Daniel Gonzalez has enjoyed a fruitful start to the second year of his apprenticeship, both from an education and footballing perspective. In the classroom, he’s excelling in all areas despite openly admitting that he doesn’t enjoy education too much. In his BTEC he’s on course to achieve D*DD overall. He’s also ready for his Sporting Excellence Professional assessments and is targeting distinction grades in both.
Out on the grass, Daniel regularly trains with the first team and recently made his debut for them in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Elkannah Akor – Colchester United
Second year apprentice Elkannah Akor has been described as “outstanding in every area” by his Regional Officer, Gavin Willacy.
Elkannah regularly trains with Colchester’s first team and played many games for the U23s prior to a recent injury. He has shown great versatility, performing as a wing back, right back, and centre back, excelling in every role. In his studies he is said to be highly committed to his work and has been achieving distinctions in his BTEC. He is also ready to do his Sporting Excellence Professional end point assessment and is also undertaking an A-Level in Psychology.
“His attitude is a credit to himself and his family. He is an example to all,” said Willacy.
Kofi Shaw – Bristol Rovers
Kofi Shaw is making serious strides on and off the pitch this season. In the classroom he has passed his English Functional Skills and is currently on track to pass his Maths Functional Skills. He’s also well on the way to completing his BTEC Extended Certificate. U18s coach, Bobby McKenzie said: “He has taken on additional responsibility to meet deadlines as well as making sure he attends extra education frequently to ensure he works towards the highest grades possible.”
On the pitch, Kofi has made five first team appearances for the Pirates and scored his first professional goal vs Tottenham Hotspur’s under 21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. The midfielder has recently signed a three-year professional contract the Memorial Stadium before being loaned out to National League side Yeovil Town.
John Williams-Lawless – Stockport County
First year apprentice John Williams-Lawless’ start to his scholarship has been described as “exceptional”, with his work in the classroom always hitting high levels of quality.
He’s said to engage well and is a polite, well-mannered individual who carries himself professionally around the building at all times.
Footballing wise he’s been likened to a “young John Stones” due to his calm and composed persona on the field of play, and has impressed all staff who have worked with him this season. The defender has also made his senior debut for Stockport in a Carabao Cup match versus Blackburn Rovers in August.
Anjola Popoola – Accrington Stanley
Accrington forward Anjola Popoola has been described as the “model apprentice with a bubbly, infectious personality.”
Education wise, Anjola is in line to achieve his Sporting Excellence Professional qualification before Christmas and is working above his target grade in his BTEC, achieving distinctions in every unit.
On the pitch, Anjola has made outstanding progress. He made his league debut in February and has been regularly involved with the first team since. He also signed his first professional contract back in July.
Mark Whalley, Head of Education at the Club, said: “Anj has been a credit to himself in all aspects of his apprenticeship. His commitment to his education is exemplary and he will achieve way above his target grade. He is a role model for others both in his age group and the first years, and I am sure he will excel as he progresses throughout his career.”
Adam Pow – Harrogate Town
Harrogate’s Adam Pow is an apprentice who possesses a keen interest in personal development and pushing himself educationally as much as he can. Despite initially enrolling on the Level 3 BTEC Diploma, Adam has recently held discussions with staff members at the club about taking on additional units for the Extended Diploma. Not only is Adam hitting distinctions in all of his BTEC units, he has also been dedicating his evenings to undertake an A-Level in Business.
Away from the classroom Adam has been ever-present for the Sulphurites U18s this season, appearing in every fixture so far. He’s also completed his UEFA C coaching qualification.
Academy Manager, Richard Jones, said: “His attitude towards his performance in education and football is exemplar – it fits in well with the club’s values and he is a great role model for his teammates and the younger players involved at the club. Adam finds himself training with the first team which is a great reward for how much he has achieved across all areas so early in the season.”
