As we move into the new season and academic year we as a Football Club wanted to celebrate the excellent successes of our graduating apprentices from the 24/25 season.
All nine apprentices that graduated last season showed remarkable commitment to their academic studies as part of their apprenticeship, and we as a football club are proud of the outcomes they all achieved. Our Academy mission Statement is to 'Create Young People and Players of Value' which includes academic progress off the pitch.
All Under 18 apprentices that join the club full-time at 16 years old have an educational commitment which includes Level 3 BTECs/A Levels, UEFA C Coaching Qualification, and their Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship.
Balancing full-time football with their studies is tough which makes the outcomes the group achieved even more rewarding. This year the positive outcomes have been ones that we as a football club are hugely proud of. The apprentices are a credit to themselves, their families and the Football Club.
Sharing the data we had 88% of the apprentices completing the L3 BTEC Extended Diploma which is equivalent to 3 A Levels. Five of the apprentices achieved the highest grade possible, D*D*D*.
78% of our apprentices achieved above their target grade with the remaining 22% hitting their target grade.
A special mention should be made to Tom Unwin, who not only completing the L3 BTEC Extended Diploma achieving the highest possible grade (D*D*D*), he also studied an additional History A Level and recently received an A grade.
This is something we are hugely proud of and is something he very much deserves. As well as this, all 9 apprentices achieved a 'Distinction' grade in their Sporting Excellent Professional Apprenticeship Framework. This is a qualification evidencing the work the apprentices are doing day to day as part of being in elite football.
A 'Distinction' is the highest grade available which again shows the high standards each of the individuals set and their commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Finally all players were awarded their UEFA C Qualification which is the start of their potential coaching journeys. With the support of the PFA, the players planned, delivered and reviewed a number of sessions along with learning the theories about coaching. The engagement and commitment to this was again excellent and all 9 apprentices were awarded their qualification.
Head of Education Ben Seymour-Shove shared: "The 2025 graduating cohort is a group we will always be proud of. The players focus and commitment to their academic growth was remarkable and we are so proud of each and everyone's achievements. The group demonstrated the academy values on and off the pitch throughout their 2 year apprenticeship and this is reflected in the extremely positive data. To achieve these outcomes when in full time football is not easy which makes the qualification gained even more impressive.
"It is now about the group progressing in the next steps of their journey and using the skills they have developed in the best possible way. We are sure given the attributes they all hold and have demonstrated, that they will make a real success of their next steps. As a football club we are now looking forward to watching their continued progression and are here should they ever need our support".
It is important to mention the fantastic support of the Nene Park Academy staff who work with the players on a weekly basis and have provided incredible support. As a football club, we are very fortunate to have such fantastic staff working with our players academically.
It is now about working with our two cohorts for the 2025/26 season and we as a football club are fully committed to developing the players as people, as well as players.