Cambridge United scholar Ben Worman has been named in the LFE 11, acknowledging his success both on the pitch through his football and away from the action academically.
The on and off the pitch achievements of 11 young footballers has 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 English Football League (EFL) clubs - and is also designed to assess other factors, including involvement in community or charity-based initiatives.
This accolade celebrates the holistic development of young players, a barometer which is also applied to the LFE Apprentice of the Year Awards presented at The EFL Awards dinner in April.
BEN WORMAN
Second-year forward Ben is a high achiever in all facets of the apprenticeship and was rewarded with a three-year professional contract on his 17th birthday having already featured in the Checkatrade Trophy for the U’s.
“Ben has really stepped up in big matches recently, including the quarter-final of the EFL Youth Alliance Cup and scoring in both FA Youth Cup games,” said Regional Officer Darren Bloodworth. “While out on loan, he’s had to deal with not getting much of the ball and a different style of football.
“Ben’s attitude has been excellent since earning his professional contract. Typified by the fact that when he was rested for a recent Youth Alliance game, he ran the tea bar at the training ground – no moans or groans.”
Cambridge Head of Education Vanessa Walker said: “Ben is doing really well and is on task with his work. He gained 11 distinctions in his first year and in spite of gaining a professional contract, he has continued to get Distinctions in his three units so far this year. He shows good research skills and works well independently, while also taking the time to help his peers to get started on units that he has already started.
“Ben made a fantastic start to his NVQ work this year and has now completed all units ahead of schedule. He understands the topics we have covered really well and can convey this in his written work. All of these attributes he has worked on are transferable skills to his football and I hope the knowledge he has gained from NVQ helps him in his professional career.”
The 11 – February 2019:
• Dwight Pascal (Barnet)
• Luca Connell (Bolton Wanderers)
• Ethan Vale (Burton Albion)
• Ben Worman (Cambridge United)
• Mattie Pollock (Grimsby Town)
• Connor Tomlinson (Luton Town)
• Owen James (Oxford United)
• Jack Gurney (Peterborough United)
• Jack Baxter (Preston North End)
• Angelo Capello (Sheffield United)
• Charlie Jolley (Wigan Athletic)
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.”