Young midfielder shortlisted for award.
'The 11' acknowledges the football and academic progress of U18s players on apprenticeships at current or former Football League clubs is also designed to assess other factors such as involvement in community or charity based initiatives.
The on and off pitch achievements of eleven young footballers has been recognised by League Football Education (LFE) in 'The 11' competition.
Judged by LFE’s team of regional officers, this award is given on four occasions in the season to celebrate the holistic development of young players, a barometer which is also applied to the Apprentice of the Year Awards later in the season.
Leeds United midfielder Lewis Cook, Crewe’s George Cooper and Portsmouth’s Conor Chaplin were all named in 'The 11' ahead of tasting success at last season's Football League Awards, where they received divisional Apprentice of the Year titles.
Leeds United midfielder Lewis Cook, Crewe’s George Cooper and Portsmouth’s Conor Chaplin were all named in 'The 11' ahead of tasting success at last season's Football League Awards, where they received divisional Apprentice of the Year titles.
The 11 for December include U's midfielder Milo Downey who has enjoyed a hugely productive year so far.
The full eleven for December are:-
He is currently on course to finish on Distinction * triple extended Diploma. On top of this, Milo is also in the process of completing an additional A Level in Maths.
Milo has been nominated for his overall attitude and application to his apprenticeship.
Milo has been nominated for his overall attitude and application to his apprenticeship.
Milo has also been an excellent candidate on the FA Level 2 course run by the PFA, and he has developed a range of portfolio work that he can be proud of. Milo is one of the strongest learners in terms of independent study that the U's have worked with.
"I am keen to stress that Milo has facilitated this himself, and this mentality typifies his determination on playing at the highest level he can.
"I believe that this will hold him in good stead, and he was at the stage where he needed this in terms of his own development where it was important to be exposed to another environment where football is played.
"Milo, a product of our pathway since the Foundation Phase has already reaped the benefits of playing senior football, as he has been playing his trade with Hadleigh United on work experience.
"Milo has all the skills, and a mentality that is ready for the world of work within the football industry, and beyond.
Head of Education Lewis Spencer said: "Milo is archetypal type of person that this Academy is committed to developing.
"I believe that this will hold him in good stead, and he was at the stage where he needed this in terms of his own development where it was important to be exposed to another environment where football is played.
"Milo, a product of our pathway since the Foundation Phase has already reaped the benefits of playing senior football, as he has been playing his trade with Hadleigh United on work experience.
"Milo has all the skills, and a mentality that is ready for the world of work within the football industry, and beyond.
Head of Education Lewis Spencer said: "Milo is archetypal type of person that this Academy is committed to developing.
"Milo is preparing himself so that he is fully ready on exposing the options that are available to him continuing his football and academic study within the university programme.
Summing up, each and every coach within our Academy programme has had an input on him as a person, and a player throughout his time at Colchester United.
"Whoever is lucky enough to work with this young man will get a player, and a person who is driven to be the best. "
"Whoever is lucky enough to work with this young man will get a player, and a person who is driven to be the best. "
"I always say tongue in cheek that Milo can have my job when he has finished playing. I could not be more flattered, when I share these comments with other staff."
The full eleven for December are:-
• Hakeem Odofin (Barnet)
• Macauley Wilson (Blackpool)
• Jack Ruddy (Bury)
• Jamie Bird (Cardiff City)
• Alex Dinsmore (Cheltenham Town)
• Milo Downey (Colchester Utd)
• Josh Walker (Fulham)
• Josh Tymon (Hull City)
• Richard Walton (Lincoln City)
• Noah Chesmain (Millwall)
• Brandon Mason (Watford)
LFE chief executive Alan Sykes 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 December please visit the LFE website.