League Football Education has recognised eleven apprentice footballers for their outstanding efforts on and off the pitch in the latest edition of ‘The 11.’
The accolade acknowledges performance on the pitch and in the classroom, as well as assessing other factors, including involvement in community or charity-based initiatives.
‘The 11’ for June 2026 is as follows…
Kahlil Steele | Norwich City
Canaries first-year apprentice Kahlil Steele has been an exceptional participant in the apprenticeship programme, consistently demonstrating dedication, maturity, and enthusiasm for learning. He achieved distinctions in both Professional Sports Performance and Careers within his BTEC Extended Diploma, reflecting his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. His positive attitude and eagerness to improve have enhanced both his own progress and that of his peers, with additional praise from his maths tutor supporting his successful exam result.
On the pitch, Kahlil finished the season strongly with the Under 21s, contributing effectively whether starting or coming off the bench, showing energy, responsibility, and consistency in training. Beyond football, he has made a significant impact in community initiatives, playing a key role in organising events and supporting over 160 young participants. He has also acted as a positive role model in school settings, displaying professionalism, confidence, and strong interpersonal skills throughout.
Billy Clarke | Swansea City
Second-year Swans apprentice Billy Clarke has shown exceptional dedication over the past two years, successfully completing an Extended BTEC in Sport, Fitness, and Personal Training with outstanding Distinction* grades. He has balanced academic study with football commitments, demonstrating excellent discipline, resilience, and time management. Alongside this, he achieved his UEFA C Licence, applying theory effectively in practical coaching environments, and further enhanced his development by enrolling in a Level 4 Financial Advisory course.
On the pitch, he has been consistent and influential, combining technical ability with strong tactical understanding. His work ethic, maturity, and willingness to improve have driven clear progress, while his professionalism and leadership make him a valuable teammate. Beyond football, he has contributed to school coaching, developing communication and leadership skills while inspiring young participants. His engagement in life skills sessions has strengthened his organisation and personal development, reflecting a proactive and mature approach both on and off the pitch.
Alfie Drayton | Leyton Orient
O’s first-year apprentice Alfie Drayton approaches every training session with an excellent attitude and intensity, developing into a leader within the group. His reliability is shown by 21 starts in 24 competitive fixtures, consistently performing at a high level. He was the only U17 to start in the FA Youth Cup and played every match in the run to the EFL Youth Alliance League Cup semi-final. Tactically astute, Alfie reads the game well, remains composed in possession, and can use both feet to play accurate forward passes.
Academically, Alfie is diligent, focused, and consistently engaged. He maintains strong concentration in lessons, demonstrates a positive attitude, and shows genuine curiosity to improve. His work has been excellent, achieving Distinction grades in all assessments and performing above his target grade.
He has embraced the challenges of being an SEP apprentice, valuing community engagement and personal development opportunities. Dependable and positive, he fully engages in Life Skills and mentoring sessions. Overall, Alfie has enjoyed an impressive first season both on and off the pitch.
Dawid Gawel | Luton Town
Former Everton academy striker Dawid Gawel enjoyed an outstanding first season with the Hatters, scoring 50 goals across the Under-18 and Under-21 sides while adapting seamlessly to a new environment. Dawid has also excelled academically and is on track to achieve strong grades in both BTEC Sport and A Level Biology.
A dedicated and committed apprentice, he has earned recognition from first-team manager Jack Wilshere, who has invited him to train with the senior squad. PDP Lead Coach Joe Deeney praised his development, saying: “We’re really proud of Dawid’s excellent season. He has been an absolute pleasure to coach. Dawid is mature, incredibly hardworking, and thrives on playing and scoring goals, whether in training or matches.”
His BTEC tutor at Central Beds College added: “Dawid is a focused and organised student who manages his workload extremely well, particularly given his commitments. He has a fantastic attitude, consistently applies himself, and is a pleasure to work with – a real credit to the club.”
Bolu Shofowoke | Peterborough United
First-year Posh forward Bolu Shofowoke broke into the Peterborough United first team and started the final six games of the season on the right-hand side of attack. He has had a fantastic first season, performing well in his BTEC Extended Diploma and SEP while living away from his home in Derby.
“Bolu has had an outstanding first year, excelling both on and off the pitch,” said Lewis Elsom, Head of Player Care at Posh. “He embraced the social media and media training workshop, showing real maturity and a strong awareness of what it means to represent the club. His personal development across the season has been excellent, with clear progress in confidence, professionalism, and his commitment to continuous improvement.”
Harry Bushell | Peterborough United
Full-back Harry Bushell has impressed staff across both the Peterborough United Academy and Nene Park Academy with his attitude towards football and learning this year. The first-year apprentice from Spalding has shown steady progression, earning starts in U21 matches following a series of injuries, while also excelling in the classroom with his BTEC Extended Diploma. He sets an outstanding example for fellow apprentices.
Posh U18 coach Jimmy Unwin said: “Harry has shown a strong period of progression in his role as a right-back, underpinned by an excellent mentality. One of his standout qualities is his willingness to learn. He takes on information well and applies it to his performances. His commitment to pushing himself physically is also a real strength. Harry’s future will depend on how he continues to conduct himself both on and off the pitch.”
Aaron Kennedy, BTEC Lead at Nene Park Academy, added: “Harry has demonstrated an exemplary approach to his education, consistently showing focus, professionalism, and a strong commitment to learning.”
Connor Thorley | Wrexham
Connor Thorley has had a positive first year as an apprentice with Wrexham, despite facing several challenges along the way. A series of injuries limited his opportunities to build a consistent run of appearances; however, he still played an important role in the club’s historic run to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup – the furthest the club has ever progressed in the competition. He also earned national recognition, representing Wales at U17 level in UEFA qualifying matches against France, Switzerland, and Hungary.
A wholehearted and technical left-back, Connor is a committed team player on and off the pitch. He communicates well in games, offering both encouragement and instruction, while setting an excellent example as a scholar. Even when sidelined through injury, he remained fully engaged and supportive of teammates. During his Wales call-up, he battled illness but maintained a positive attitude throughout.
Off the pitch, Connor contributes to the wider environment through community work, leadership as a Player Voice representative, and consistent engagement in life skills sessions.
Seb Mason | Carlisle United
Over the final weeks of the season, second-year apprentice Seb Mason undertook a period of work experience on loan at Queen of the South. This provided valuable exposure to the pressures of performance, the importance of earning the right to play, and a deeper understanding of how senior squads are managed. He also experienced the demands of travel, game preparation, and the need for independence, focus, and discipline – particularly when away from home.
Seb managed all of his programmes effectively throughout this period. He maintained consistently high standards, successfully completing his SEP with a distinction while also progressing strongly in his BTEC studies and exceeding his target grades. This required excellent communication with the Head of Education and his BTEC tutors to maximise his compensatory education sessions, during which he demonstrated strong drive and commitment.
Seb has now signed his first professional contract – an achievement that reflects his hard work, professionalism, and dedication.
Josh Brian | AFC Wimbledon
First-year apprentice Josh Brian demonstrates an excellent attitude across all areas of the AFC Wimbledon Academy. He consistently arrives early to lessons and is always well prepared. His written work is submitted on time and to a high standard. In class, he shows strong engagement, which positively influences and encourages his peers. He communicates effectively with staff and keeps everyone fully informed of his progress on his Extended Diploma work. Josh is also supportive of others, regularly helping classmates when they are unsure how to present their ideas or upload work onto EMS. He is completely reliable in all aspects of his role.
Josh has also been praised for the way he has handled a recent ankle injury. Despite the disappointment of being unable to play in the recent finals, he has remained positive and fully supportive of the team. Missing the opportunity to contribute to such a successful season must have been difficult; however, his resilience and attitude throughout have been highly commendable.
Oscar Jorgensen | Coventry City
Oscar Jorgensen has enjoyed a strong first year as an apprentice, performing well both academically and on the pitch. He began on the Diploma programme and has since progressed to the Extended Diploma, where he has exceeded his target grades, consistently achieving merits and distinctions.
Academy Manager Dan Bolas commented: “Oscar has been with the Academy since Under 9 and has consistently demonstrated the commitment and resilience required to progress in professional football. This has continued into the first year of his scholarship, where he has conducted himself with maturity, respect, and a clear willingness to develop both on and off the pitch. Oscar has featured regularly for the Under 18s this season and has also gained valuable experience with the Under 21s. On each occasion, he has embraced the challenges set to him and demanded high standards of both himself and his teammates.”
Tobias Ritchie | Bolton Wanderers
Tobias Ritchie has been described as an exceptional individual who consistently excels both on and off the pitch. He has represented the first team, demonstrating not only his technical ability and football intelligence but also his composure, confidence, and professionalism in a high-performance environment. He signed his first professional contract in January.
Academically, Tobias has achieved outstanding results, earning an overall DDD* in his BTEC and passing his SEP with a Distinction, reflecting his strong work ethic and ability to apply knowledge effectively. He also possesses an excellent understanding of football and the wider world, allowing him to think critically, adapt quickly, and approach his development with maturity and purpose.
Reliable, motivated, and driven, Tobias represents Bolton exceptionally well, and he has a very bright future ahead of him.