Kai Yearn and Saleem Akanbi were recipients of the inaugural Cambridgeshire United Academy Awards on Tuesday night, held prior to the Terry Baker memorial game…
Presented by Valerie Baker, wife of Terry, Saleem Akanbi collected the Cambridge United Academy Goal of the Season award for the winger’s effort against Oxford United in the FA Youth Cup third round at the Abbey.
Speaking on the award, Head of Academy Tom Pell said, “Saleem has been a model Scholar, completing an Extended Diploma in Sports Studies, two A Levels and his SEP, all whilst recovering from a hamstring injury.
“It was a great night for us to be able to celebrate this with him and him to be able to celebrate with his peers.”
16-year-old Kai Yearn capped off a hugely impressive year, which saw him become the Club’s youngest ever scorer, by winning the Scholar of the Year award. Kai was presented the award by Valerie and her grandson, Jacob.
Pell said, “At still only 16, Kai has handled himself brilliantly throughout his Scholarship and is now recognising that he is a role model for some of our younger Academy players.”
Following the awards, United’s academy players proceeded to gift their tutors and the Baker Family with flowers and chocolates, before going out to watch an exciting fixture against West Ham United U16’s.
We would like to thank Kit Brunswick and Valerie Baker for organising a wonderful evening in Terry’s memory.