Cambridge United scholar Tom Dickens 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. England Under-20 World Cup winners Ademola Lookman (formerly Charlton Athletic), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (formerly Sheffield United) and Lewis Cook (formerly Leeds United) have all previously been named in ‘The 11’.
Tom Dickens (Cambridge United)
First-year apprentice Tom has displayed a great deal of maturity this year, taking pride in his responsibilities as a player and a student, as well as understanding how to develop his growth mindset.
Head of Education Vanessa Walker told LFE: “Thomas has worked extremely hard, completing 11 units towards the 19-unit Extended Diploma. He has always pushed himself to get the best grade and worked at home if necessary to secure all distinctions.
“Within his NVQ, he can express his football knowledge with ease and uses the knowledge gained to apply to his performances on the pitch.”
Academy manager Tom Pell added: “Tom utilities every member of staff to aid his development. He is always the first to ask if he can sit down to review his clips from matches and asks for other areas to improve. More importantly, he is very honest with himself.
“This attitude has seen him being included in the few reserve games we have played during the latter part of the season. I firmly believe Tom has the attributes that could see him making his way into professional football in the next few years.”
The 11 – June 2019:
- Zach Jeacock (Birmingham City)
- Tom Dickens (Cambridge United)
- Noah Chilvers (Colchester United)
- Rio Adebisi (Crewe Alexandra)
- Jason Knight (Derby County)
- Charlie Cresswell (Leeds United)
- George Alexander (Millwall)
- Scott Pollock (Northampton Town)
- Arvin Appiah (Nottingham Forest)
- Ryan Campbell-Gordon (Port Vale)
- Scott Smith (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.”
For in-depth profiles on all of the players named in ‘The 11’ for June, please visit the LFE website.