Cambridge United scholar Sam Squire has been named in the LFE 11, acknowledging his success both on the pitch through his football and away from 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’. Everton forward Lookman and AFC Bournemouth midfielder Cook also went on to become Apprentice of the Year winners. Others to previously feature in this select group include Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham), Conor Chaplin (Portsmouth) and James Justin (Luton Town).
Sam Squire (Cambridge United)
Sam is a high achiever in the classroom having already finalised his Extended Diploma and attained Distinction grades across all of his units, setting him up for a triple distinction star grade overall (D*D*D*).
Since completing his BTEC, the 17-year-old asked to conduct volunteer work with the Cambridge United Community Trust, working with them on a mental health and well-being program that is being delivered in schools local to the club.
He has also performed to a high standard on the pitch, making himself available for 119 out of 120 training days as he continues to push himself physically in the gym, while improving technically and tactically.
Cambridge PDP lead coach Tom Pell said: “Sam is a mature and very capable student and always completes tasks diligently. He is a role model to his peers and a pleasure to have in the classroom.
“He shows an excellent work ethic and is able to work independently as well as part of the team. He is self-motivated to get on with his work and easily achieves the higher grades.”
The 11 – February 2018:
• Roy Syla (Barnet)
• Matthew Wolfe (Barnsley)
• Sam Squire (Cambridge United)
• Ryan Schofield (Huddersfield Town)
• Toby Stevenson (Leyton Orient)
• Harry Bircumshaw (Mansfield Town)
• Momodou Touray (Newport County)
• Alfie Payne (Norwich City)
• Tom Hamer (Oldham Athletic)
• David Parkhouse (Sheffield United)
• Alex Hunt (Sheffield Wednesday)
LFE chief executive Alan Sykes added: “The 11 is directly associated with apprentice reviews that are conducted by our regional officer’s 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.”