RAP'S RISING STAR TALKS ABOUT HIS TRANSITION AWAY FROM FOOTBALL - #41 FEB 21 James Doig - League Football Education
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#41 FEB 21 James Doig Joel Bonner Charlie Binns Bradley Middleton Renell McKenzie-Lyle RAP’S RISING STAR TALKS ABOUT HIS TRANSITION AWAY FROM FOOTBALL
#41 FEB 21
WRITTEN BY JACK WYLIE | DESIGN BY ICG
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2 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 3
Academy
Leagues
Round-Up
EFL Youth Alliance North East Division EFL Youth Alliance South East Division U18 professional development league north u18 premier league north
Notts County and Scunthorpe United currently lead the Peterborough United’s talented youngsters wrapped Wigan Athletic continue to be dominant at Under-18s Middlesbrough are the best of the EFL clubs in
way at the top of the North East division, although it up their second successive South East title in February, level, amassing 27 points from a possible 33 to make the Northern section, sitting fifth behind leaders
is 2018-19 champions Grimsby Town that are in prime completing the job by overcoming 2018-19 Merit them firm favourites for back-to-back Professional Manchester United, Liverpool, reigning champions
position to surge to the summit. League One winners Southend United 2-1. Development League North titles. Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Neil Woods’ young Mariners are the only unbeaten side Posh are undefeated since the turn of the year, with The Latics are the only side in the North and South Although their form has slipped since November, Boro
across all four EFL Youth Alliance leagues, although they their only dropped points coming in a goalless stalemate divisions to have avoided defeat this season, led by got off to a flying start to the season, winning five of
do have several games in hand. Their success has been against second-placed Luton Town, who completed top-scorer Sean McGurk, who has 14 goals in 12 their opening seven matches, with Calum Kavanagh
built from the back, with six clean sheets from eight their regular season campaign with back-to-back draws. appearances in all competitions, including a treble doubling up during wins against Leeds United (3-0),
games, while they recently found their scoring touch during a 5-1 rout of Crewe Alexandra in November. Newcastle United (4-3) and Blackburn Rovers (3-1),
The young Hatters have been impressive for large parts
when Josh Smaller bagged a brace in a 4-0 victory over while Josh Coburn struck three in a 4-0 victory over
of the season, but lost twice to Southend and were With multiple games in hand on their closest
Huddersfield Town. Sunderland.
recently beaten by Cambridge United, leaving the door challengers, Wigan currently sit third in the table, a
Despite being eight points adrift of top spot, Grimsby open for both teams to overtake them in the table, if point behind Barnsley and two adrift of Birmingham 2018-19 winners Derby County also had a fast start,
have played five games less than Notts, with the two they can win their remaining fixtures. City. A run of four straight wins lifted the Blues into first seeing off North East trio Sunderland (2-0), Boro (3-2)
teams scheduled to face off at the end of February. place, but an Amir Ariely double gave Barnsley a 4-3 and Newcastle (4-3), although an inconsistent run since
Lower down the league, Stevenage have managed just
win to reduce the gap. then has seen them drift to seventh position.
Elsewhere, Scunthorpe had moved themselves three victories all season, although two of them came
into contention after five straight wins, including a home and away against the champions, registering 3-1 At the other end, Nottingham Forest are rooted to the In contrast, Blackburn Rovers have enjoyed an upturn
remarkable 4-3 victory over the leaders, who had been and 2-1 victories. Seventh-placed Gillingham were the bottom despite producing two of the biggest winning in fortunes over the past month, claiming three wins
3-0 up with 20 minutes remaining. However, their title only other team to claim all three points against Posh. margins of the season, with Dale Taylor scoring a on the bounce, including a last gasp 1-0 victory over
aspirations have drifted away following three defeats hat-trick against Queens Park Rangers (7-0) and Fin Liverpool, with Georgie Gent getting on the scoresheet.
in four. Back repeating the feat against Cardiff City (6-2).
EFL Youth Alliance South West Division
u18 premier league south
EFL Youth Alliance North West Division The South West division appears to be going down to U18 professional development league South
the wire, with usual suspects AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are the current frontrunners in the
Fleetwood Town were in the running for the North Oxford United going head-to-head for first position. Defending Southern champions Millwall currently stand Southern section after beating second-placed Fulham
West crown throughout the curtailed 2019-20 season, ahead of the rest again this season. The Lions boast home and away in 2021. The Eagles are a point ahead
The Cherries have set the pace for most of the season
and they are back in the mix this year alongside Fylde the most potent attack in the region, with Ollie Bate with a game in hand, although Aston Villa are in hot
having avoided defeat in their opening 13 league
Coast rivals Blackpool. netting eight times in his last four outings, while Abdul pursuit, just four points back having played two
matches, however, two defeats in the space of four
Abdulmalik’s tally of 11 goals is only eclipsed in the PDL games less.
The Tangerines started the campaign with three losses days against Exeter City (3-2) and Forest Green Rovers
by Coventry City’s Harrison Nee (14).
in succession, but have bounced back in formidable (5-3) saw them fall closer to the chasing pack. The Villains began the campaign with five wins on the
fashion, stringing together 10 consecutive league wins, A seven-match winning streak has given them the trot and have responded admirably to their only defeat
And the reigning champions relinquished control when
largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Brad edge over Ipswich Town, although the Tractor Boys of the season against Fulham in October, collecting 11
they suffered a 3-1 defeat to their nearest challengers
Holmes and Rob Apter. have played two games less and are just a point behind points from the next available 15.
Oxford at the end of January. Despite losing 4-1 to
the leaders.
Exciting forward Holmes has been particularly prolific, Yeovil Town in their next fixture, Leon Blackmore-Such’s Arjan Raikhy’s second-half winner saw them overcome
netting a hat-trick during a 4-2 victory over their fellow side are now in pole position to go one better than their Adem Atay’s team are on an excellent run of their own Palace towards the end of November, while the
title contenders, although Fleetwood reasserted their runners-up finish from 12 months ago, sitting a point after winning four in a row, including a 2-1 triumph over 18-year-old also found the net in an impressive 4-2
authority with a 7-0 triumph at Walsall to reclaim the behind with a game in hand. third-placed Watford after first-year apprentice Edwin victory over Chelsea a week earlier.
ascendancy on goal difference. Agbaje slotted home a dramatic 92nd-minute winner.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle have found form at the
Last year’s runners-up Preston North End are still in right time, with three impressive wins against Swindon Elsewhere, Colchester United’s form has dipped in
the hunt, but are faced with a five-point deficit after Town (4-2), Portsmouth (3-1) and Forest Green (5-0) recent months, but they had made a spectacular start to
enduring a difficult January, losing twice on the trot, helping them make a late push for Southern Merit the season, seeing off Ipswich 3-2 and then hammering
including a 4-1 reversal against Blackpool. League One qualification. Watford 7-2, with striker Tom Stagg hitting the target
on four occasions.
4 Touchline FEB 21 *As of 18th February 2021 FEB 21 Touchline 5
Leeds United have taken the Premier Still only 21, the former defender is “Having that clear pathway made my Sterling credits his commitment to an
League by storm this season, producing establishing himself as ‘one to watch’ life a lot easier after completing the alternative interest for keeping him
some eye-catching displays under world- within the rap scene. apprenticeship. My transition away from mentally healthy and insists there are
renowned manager Marcelo Bielsa. “I started making music when I was 14, football was so much smoother because many transferable skills between football
And while they have gained many before I got signed for any professional that option was there, and I’d already and music.
admirers on the pitch, one of their own club,” he told LFE. built the foundations to move towards He said: “Both industries are very
has been making waves in the music that route. competitive. You’ve got to be strong-
“When I was playing football, my main goal
industry after winning series two of was to become a professional footballer “I’m grateful for that because many minded and believe in yourself, regardless
‘The Rap Game UK’, which sees six and music was more of a hobby. young footballers put all of their hopes of what obstacles arise.
unsigned MCs go head-to-head in a range and energy into pursuing a career in “In football, I learned about discipline, hard
“But as time went on, I didn’t get a
of challenges, in pursuit of a record deal football and if it doesn’t work, then it work, self-belief and mindset. Developing
professional contract and I wasn’t seeing
with rap legends Krept and Konan. can leave them in a difficult place. It’s those sorts of skills as a footballer has
any success from trialling at various clubs.
Jovanni Sterling, aka ‘Graft’, was an important to realise that there are many been very beneficial, as I’ve been able to
“There came a point where my music different avenues other than football, and
apprentice at Elland Road during the transfer them to my music career.
was going so well that I couldn’t ignore they’ve built up skills that make any job
2015-16 campaign before spending the
that pathway any longer, so it was a attainable if they put the right preparation
following season at Rotherham United,
natural process. and effort into it.”
but devoted his spare time to his passion
of creating music.
6 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 7
“As an apprentice, music was the
way that I would express my “Overcoming obstacles is what life is all about and “Overcoming obstacles is what
life is all about and you need to
Throughout the competition,
Sterling spoke openly about
etc, so that I can manoeuvre
within the industry in the most
feelings and get things off my
chest emotionally. Everyone goes
through a lot of ups and downs
you need to show strength, motivation and character show strength, motivation and
character to be able to get back
up when you’re knocked down.
a range of important topics,
including racism, violence,
sexism and stereotypes, while
effective and efficient way
and open doors that weren’t
previously available to me.
in their life, everyone has their
own stresses and challenges, and
TO be able to get back up when you’re knocked down.” “In episode one, I flopped on
both challenges because I let the
his final performance with DJ
Kenny Allstar accentuated the
“Obviously, I’m aiming to create
a great single, get it to chart
writing lyrics was my release that nerves get the better of me. importance of family and his and hopefully it attracts a lot of
“I used to watch the MOBO yourself, because you’re
allowed me to be creative in a I was shocked by that because desire to represent his home city. interest from labels and other
Awards on TV, and still do, and learning techniques and creative
way I enjoyed. I hadn’t suffered any failures “As an artist, I pride myself on influential people in the industry.
you think about massive artists processes from established
“Rapping is probably a bit different like Jay Z, Stormzy, Krept and professionals. during my music career to that being versatile and showing I’m really determined to make
to the norm as a footballer, but Konan, Craig David and so point, but that’s where my different sides to myself because great music, where I’m known all
“The more music I make and
it’s important to have other on, all winning MOBO awards,” football experience came to that makes me more relatable to over the world, inspiring people
release, the clearer I am in my
interests because you don’t he added. “For me to receive the fore. a wider range of people,” he said. and touching the hearts of
head about what style I want, the
want to be stuck as just being recognition from the same “I’ve been through failure and “I feel that I have a responsibility millions.
message in my lyrics and being
known as a footballer. When company was crazy. I’m still hardship in football. I’ve been in to portray the right message, “Long-term, I want to eventually
relatable to others, the use of
football is gone, you need to young and it’s early in my situations where you’re behind have the correct type of lyrics in set up my own record label and
metaphors and punchlines, and
have something else that you can career, so that was a very and have to dig deep and stay my songs and influence people in I’d like to invest in property,
just becoming more confident as
identify with. proud moment for myself resilient to turn things around a positive way. Music is universal shares and other things where I
a performer.”
“If it’s something you enjoy, then and my family. and that experience served me and I want to make a difference can be making residual income. I
go for it because you never know The budding star’s progress well when I had to recover from and be an inspiration. want to put myself in a position
“I’ve definitely progressed a lot
what’s going to come from that. caught the attention of BBC my mistakes. “After my mum and dad split where I don’t have to worry
over the past few years. The
The best thing about doing things talent scouts, who offered him up, I’ve seen my mum work about money, and I can give back
message that I’m promoting in my “I used that disappointment as a
you enjoy is that you’ll put your a place on the Rap Game show, extremely hard, doing whatever to the people that mean the most
music is very clear and my lyrical driving force to prove everyone
all into it. You can never have too alongside five other hopefuls. she can to put food on the table to me.
ability is so much better because wrong. I came back with more
many options.” I’m always practising and learning With tasks including acapella and intensity and I took the rankings and give me the best upbringing “For all the young footballers
By the age of 17, ‘Graft’ had from others in the industry. orchestral performances, duets, by storm in every other episode. possible. They’ve both shaped me currently on the apprenticeship,
already achieved exposure on battle raps, recorded tracks and I had loads of viral moments, I into the person I am today. I’ve the key is to keep your mind and
“Music is my passion and I’ve
BBC Radio 1Xtra and earned time-restricted assignments, their showcased what I can do and I’m got a lot of respect for my family options open.
worked really hard at perfecting
thousands of online views on his adaptability and composure under happy my journey went that way.” and I wanted to highlight that. It’s important
my craft. I really appreciate
music videos. Since completing pressure was put to the test. “I believe I’ve represented Leeds to know that
the art of writing lyrics and Following his disappointing series
his apprenticeship, he has expressing yourself creatively. “What really distinguishes opener, the Leeds rapper never as a whole and I can see that love it’s not the end
headlined for the likes of Wiley, I study a lot of artists, I’ve someone from the rest is how ranked outside of the top two from so many different people, of the world if
Bugzy Malone, Tion Wayne and grown up listening to many they bounce back from mistakes positions in each of the remaining whether it’s old school friends you don’t get
Nadia Rose, and even won the different genres and that helps and how they use mistakes to five episodes, claiming plaudits that I’ve not seen for years or a professional
MOBO Unsung Award in 2018. when you’re trying to develop their advantage,” said Sterling. from many star guests and even people I’ve never met, contract. There
viewers. young and old. are many ways
“Ultimately, I don’t try to be like of making a living
“All of the defining moments from
anyone else, I’m just myself. I that you’ll enjoy.”
the series, where you look back
and vividly remember, involved want to make a difference in the
me,” he continued. “The standout industry and for my local area
for me was the orchestra ‘I Spy’ and being on the show provided
challenge. I messed up in episode an opportunity for me to change
one, came back with a vengeance my life.”
in episode two, and then by Having claimed the Rap Game
episode four I really showcased crown, the former academy
the levels that I can reach. footballer is on the right path
“I believe it’s a performance, so to doing just that. With a
once I’ve got my lyrics nailed single supported by Krept
down, I’ll think about my hand and Konan’s Play Dirty
gestures and movements to add record label upcoming,
to the package of the lyrics and he has set himself lofty
the song. I take it step by step targets to attain.
and I make sure every detail is “My short-term goal is to
spot on. I was able to produce build a team around me,” he
the full combination in that said. “I want a manager, an
performance.” A&R rep, a PR consultant,
8 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 9
Marley Marshall-Miranda, Myles Bright
Harvey Sayer, & Patrick Jones
Junior Tchamadeu Huddersfield Town
& Samson Tovide Wales Under-17s
Colchester United international Patrick Jones
Four apprentices have appeared (pictured) penned his first
for Colchester United’s first team professional contract in
this season, with Marley Marshall- October after playing
Miranda featuring most frequently. for Huddersfield Town’s
The 18-year-old midfielder, who first team in a pre-season
signed a professional contract friendly a couple of months
A total of 91 LFE in December, has come off the earlier.
apprentices have Louie Barry, Mamadou Sylla Diallo, bench on five occasions in three The flying winger gained
played first-team Kaine Kesler, Hayden Lindley competitions. his first competitive action
football for their & Arjan Raikhy in January with a trio
Aston Villa First-year right-back Junior
respective clubs Tchamadeu (pictured) is the only of cameo appearances,
A Covid-19 outbreak gave Aston Villa’s academy debuting in the FA Cup
this season, member of the quartet to gain a
players the incredible opportunity to play against before two outings in the
including 76 start, with three Sky Bet League
Premier League champions Liverpool in the third round Sky Bet Championship.
debutants at Two appearances on his tally, while
of the FA Cup in January.
32 clubs.* Harvey Sayer and Samson Tovide Fellow second-year
A full squad of Under-18s and Under-23s was fielded, both experienced time on the pitch apprentice Myles Bright
Here is a selection with current second-year apprentices Louie Barry, in the Papa John’s Trophy. was also involved in the
of the talented Mamadou Sylla Diallo, Kaine Kesler and Arjan Raikhy Terriers’ cup tie with
youngsters to earning starts, while Hayden Lindley was introduced Plymouth Argyle, earning
make their first off the bench. Osazee Aghatise, Max Bardell, Bartosz a runout for the final seven
appearances at It was a particularly memorable night for Barry Cybulski, Ola Ibrahim, Hugo Jinkinson, minutes.
senior level. (pictured), who scored against a side containing the Harrison Solomon & Dylan Williams
likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane, Derby County
Mohamed Salah and Georginio Wijnaldum. Seven current apprentices were able to gain their first
taste of men’s football in a Derby County kit when the
first-team squad was forced to miss out on an FA Cup
Lewis Bell tie with National League North club Chorley, due to a
Carlisle United Covid-19 outbreak.
Having caught the Seventeen-year-old Dylan Williams and second-year
eye in a pre-season apprentices Hugo Jinkinson and Harrison Solomon
friendly cameo against played the full 90 minutes, while Max Bardell (pictured)
Liverpool, winger Lewis and Osazee Aghatise were also in the starting line-up.
Bell was rewarded with Elsewhere, Bartosz Cybulski and Ola Ibrahim were
a professional contract second-half substitutes.
Rob Apter in September, before
Blackpool
making his senior bow
Midfielder Rob Apter the following month. Josh Bailey, Malaki Black, Jack Davies,
signed professional forms
The 18-year-old featured Lewis Johnson & Charlie Smith
in November, securing
in the Papa John’s Trophy Milton Keynes Dons
his future at Blackpool
against Sunderland and Milton Keynes Dons have used the Papa John’s Trophy
until the summer of
Aston Villa Under-21s, to develop their young players, with apprentices
2022, and made his
while his Sky Bet League Charlie Barker & Dylan Gavin accounting for over 450 minutes on the pitch during
professional debut in the
Two debut came as a late Charlton Athletic their run to the quarter finals.
same month during a 3-0
substitute during a 2-0
victory over Leeds United Defender Charlie Barker (pictured) enjoyed a meteoric Seventeen-year-old forward Lewis Johnson (pictured)
victory at Walsall.
in the Papa John’s Trophy. rise in his football development during the early part of has been the main beneficiary, with four appearances,
The 17-year-old, who the season, featuring nine times across four different including two starts, while he has also featured four
was recently named in competitions during the autumn months. times in Sky Bet League One, as well as being a late
LFE’s ‘The 11’, bagged The second-year apprentice scored in a Carabao Cup substitute in the FA Cup against Burnley at Turf Moor.
an assist on his Sky Bet win at Swindon town, penned his professional contract Josh Bailey, Malaki Black and Charlie Smith also
League One debut last and was named in LFE’s ‘The 11’ in November, while contributed in the Papa John’s Trophy, while Jack
month, contributing to a his most recent outing in the Papa John’s Trophy Davies, who signed a professional contract in the
5-0 rout against Wigan against Leyton Orient coincided with Irish teenager summer, was handed his league debut after initial
Athletic. Dylan Gavin’s first taste of the action at senior level. involvement in the cup.
10 Touchline FEB 21 * Figures correct as of 16th February 2021 FEB 21 Touchline 11
Charlie Bell, Alfie Bridgman, Harrison Brook, Seok Jae-Lee,
Gerard Storey & Harry Jewitt-White
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Manager Kenny Jackett offered first-team playing time to seven current
apprentices, including six debutants, in this season’s Papa John’s Trophy. While
Harvey Rew had already taken to the field last season, Charlie Bell, Harrison Brook,
Seok Jae-Lee, Gerard Storey and 16-year-olds Harry Jewitt-White and Alfie Bridgman
Callum Brain, Harrison Bright, Aneurin Livermore, all featured for the first time this campaign.
Zack Maher, Callum Ryan-Phillip & Lewys Twamley Bell (pictured) was a starter in two group games, while first-year midfielder Jewitt-
Newport County White played from the first whistle in Pompey’s third-round tie with Peterborough
Newport County handed out seven debuts to apprentices last season, United, two months after becoming the club’s third youngest player in their post-war
and six more have added their names to the list, as well as Under-16 history. The November game against West Ham United Under-21s was also the
player Sonny Lewis. scene of debuts for Brook and Jae-Lee, with Storey earning a half-hour cameo in a
Winger Lewys Twamley was the first of the group to gain first-team second-round victory over Cheltenham Town. Elsewhere, having overcome several
experience back in September, and tops the appearance tally with three. setbacks as a schoolboy, midfielder Bridgman’s landmark moment came as a late
substitute during the knockout stage defeat to Posh.
The following month, Twamley was joined by Callum Ryan-Phillip in the
starting line-up against Norwich City Under-21s, while Harrison Bright
and Zack Maher were introduced as second-half substitutes.
Ethan Brierley & Kacper Mialkowski Alfie Lloyd
Five of the youngsters featured in the final group game against Rochdale AFC Yeovil Town
Plymouth Argyle, with goalkeeper Callum Brain and midfielder
As a 15-year-old, Ethan Brierley found himself on Having been involved
Aneurin Livermore (pictured) getting their first starts for the Exiles.
Rochdale’s bench for their FA Cup clash with Newcastle with the senior set-up
United in January 2020. Nine months later, the talented throughout pre-season,
teenager entered the first-team arena with a brief striker Alfie Lloyd’s
Mackenzie Chapman, Vani Da Silva, runout in a 1-0 Carabao Cup triumph at Huddersfield prolific scoring form for
Ben Hough & Will Sutton Town. Yeovil Town’s Under-
Oldham Athletic Midfielder Brierley has amassed eight appearances for 18s side encouraged
Four apprentices have featured for Oldham Athletic’s Dale in total, including four in Sky Bet League One, Manager Darren Sarll to
first team this season, with forward Vani Da Silva making his first league start against Gillingham before promote the 17-year-old
stepping up first as a late substitute during a 3-0 Christmas. into the first-team fold.
Carabao Cup victory over Carlisle United in September. Meanwhile, fellow first-year apprentice Kacper Lloyd was included in the
Harry McHugh matchday squad for The
He also appeared off the bench in the Papa John’s Mialkowski (pictured) replaced Brierley for his debut Wigan Athletic
Trophy against Bradford City, which was the night during the latter stages of a goalless draw with Glovers’ National League
Manchester United Under-21s in the Papa John’s A torn ACL sidelined fixture with Hartlepool
of defender Will Sutton’s debut, playing 90 minutes
Trophy. Harry McHugh for the United in November
in a 3-1 win, while Ben Hough (pictured) was also
entirety of his first year and was given the
handed his professional bow in the same competition,
as an apprentice, so opportunity to make his
staying on for the whole game as the Latics defeated Flynn Clarke the 18-year-old wasted professional debut as an
Max Dyche Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21s 4-0. Peterborough United no time in making an 81st-minute substitute.
Northampton Town Elsewhere, 18-year-old goalkeeper Mackenzie Flynn Clarke has become impression after returning
Defender Max Dyche Chapman was the club’s backup early on this season a regular fixture in to full fitness, rifling a
was first added to a and had the chance to get his first competitive minutes Peterborough United’s shot from the edge of the
matchday squad in in Sky Bet League Two against Morecambe in October, first-team squad this area into the top corner
September for a Sky when experienced number one Ian Lawlor was forced season, having penned a on his full debut.
Bet League One trip off at half-time due to an injury. professional contract as a The exciting midfielder
to Shrewsbury Town, first-year apprentice back was an extra-time
remaining on the bench in December 2019. substitute in the FA
alongside fellow second- The Scotland Under-19 Cup against Chorley in
year apprentice Josh international has featured November and stole the
Flanagan. 11 times across four show three days later
While Flanagan is yet competitions, including with his first senior strike
to make his first-team six starts, since making at Tranmere Rovers in
bow, Dyche appeared in his debut in the Carabao the Papa John’s Trophy,
back-to-back games in Cup in September, and while he was also called
December, playing the found the net in all three upon from the bench in
final 20 minutes at Crewe Papa John’s Trophy group a Sky Bet League One
Alexandra before earning games, which saw him stalemate with Bristol
a start three days later named the competition’s Rovers to cap off a
against Oxford United. Player of the Round. memorable month.
12 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 13
TOP OF
THE CLASS
SINCE THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC BEGAN
EARLY LAST YEAR, MANY PEOPLE HAVE
DECIDED TO TAKE UP NEW HOBBIES AND SET
THEMSELVES FRESH TARGETS TO ACHIEVE.
Former Cardiff “Some of our students will Middleton’s desire to provide “They are no different to anyone “Unfortunately, I had a really
City apprentice just be suffering from anxiety the required level of support else, they just think a little serious facial injury from an
Bradley and need a smaller nurturing to those in need comes from differently. accidental elbow and that pretty
Middleton environment compared to a his own experience growing up “They’re not stupid or anything, much ended my career,” said
has tackled a normal school. Our classes are with dyslexia. they just sometimes take a bit Middleton.
particularly no larger than eight, so more He continued: “When I was longer to process things, so “Using the FA Level 2 Coaching
unique challenge, attention can be given to each at Cardiff and said that I’m they require that bit of extra badge that I did as an
having spent the last 11 child. dyslexic and needed extra support and patience. I’m really apprentice, I managed to get a
months establishing the newly “Our children will be offered help with the college course, passionate about showing role as a sports coach, alongside
registered ‘Levels School’. speech and language and the club had never come these kids that you can get playing semi-professionally.
The specialist institution occupational therapy, so some across someone with similar somewhere in life in spite of After a couple of years, it
is designed as a nurturing will need more support with requirements. The Head of these barriers and it’s just evolved into a full-time position,
environment for students with their speech and language, Education, Steve Ellis, found a about your mindset to get and I did further qualifications
specific learning difficulties and some will need basic skills of one-to-one tutor to sit next to through them.” in individual sports to become a
co-occurring diagnoses. hand-eye coordination. We’re me in classes and support me Middleton boasts significant Level 2 or 3 Coach for about 15
“It will be open for eight to not just providing a school, with my work, and I certainly experience in this environment, different sports.
18-year-olds,” he told LFE. there’s also therapy provision wouldn’t have got my Diploma having worked at a specialist “In the last few years, I moved
“We’re starting with Year 4 to attached as well. without that extra support. school for over a decade until into providing pastoral care
Year 11 and then there will “There aren’t many schools, “It varies of course, but for me he was made redundant when it to the children. Because I’m a
be a Sixth Form in a couple of certainly none here in Somerset, I find it extremely difficult to went into liquidation at the start practical teacher, rather than a
years’ time. Most students will that can meet the needs of read and absorb what I’ve just of the first lockdown in March. sit-down teacher, the kids were
have dyslexia, but we also cater the kids who do have severe read. Ultimately, the key thing “When I got released by Cardiff, more comfortable talking to
for co-occurring difficulties, dyslexia and co-occuring is to understand the children I went to Aldershot Town, who me as it was a more informal
so that could be dyspraxia or difficulties, so this is life- and their individual needs. were in League Two at the time. environment to the classroom.
dyscalculia. changing for these families.”
14 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 15
“I KNEW I WANTED TO HELP THESE KIDS AND NOTHING WAS GOING TO STOP ME SETTING UP A SCHOOL FOR THEM.” “I know that the curriculum can be a bit overwhelming for them at times, so it’s great to be able to give them a safe space away from that for a short time and just reassure them that they’re on the right path, and that’s why I love my job. “Originally, it was just something that I’d fallen into, but watching At the end of November, the like this in a different county “Initially, I was in a sport role, these kids have similar issues school was finally authorised in three to five years’ time, but over time I’ve drifted into to myself, I realised how lucky to deliver full-time education and then hopefully a few more a different area and now I’ve I was to get extra help and when its DfE registration was across the country.” set up my own school, so if these students needed that approved, marking a notable Although football was once his you put your mind to it and same level. The school’s closure milestone in the arduous process. primary focus, Middleton, who have support around you, meant that 40 students were “It was really exciting, not only is also a carer for his severely I think you can do anything completely out of school and for the students who can get autistic brother-in-law during his you want. I was determined to maintain back to school, but also the spare time, has found a career “For anyone wanting to go that support, which is why I staff members who have been away from the game that fulfils down the route of teaching, decided to set up my own.” with me and made a lot of his passion to help people who I’d recommend them to get In order to succeed in sacrifices to get to this point,” are less fortunate than most. volunteering. Get into a school completing such an enormous Middleton added. “I thought at 17 or 18-years-old and offer your time to an after- task, the former full-back used “At the start of 2020, I never that football was going to be school club or support teachers skills that he had developed as would have expected to be my life, but one injury changed with whatever they may need. an apprentice footballer to help setting up an independent my path,” he added. “It’s really Get in as early as you can and him along the way. specialist school. Not many important for lads to make sure build your experience. “We’ve made the school a real people can say they’ve built a they have something else to “There is a balance to find team environment,” he said. “In school from scratch and have focus on because you never between when it’s time to have football, you can have one or done it in such a short space know what’s round the corner. a bit of fun and when it’s time two players who are amazing, “I knew I wanted to help Having found a suitable of time. “You don’t need to box yourself to learn, and you need to be but you need a full team of these kids and nothing was premises within a 20-mile “Our next step is to wait 12 to into the sports industry just willing to make an effort with 11 to get through the match. going to stop me setting up a radius of the previous school, 18 months for our next Ofsted because you’ve been involved the kids outside the classroom That’s the mindset I’ve had school for them. It has been a converted the property for inspection, and obviously we in football. You’ve gained doors, as well as inside. when developing the team at rollercoaster, but I always kept school use and recruited staff want to be outstanding for that. skills that will transfer into “As someone who has always The Levels School. There’s 16 that determination and belief and students, Middleton and Our challenge is to get to our any industry, it’s just about cared about helping people, of us and as a unit we all work that it’d happen and it’s from his colleagues then had to pass limit of 65 students and I’ve pursuing something you’re it’s something that suits me extremely hard in our own the knockbacks I experienced a gruelling Ofsted inspection already had a conversation with passionate about and willing perfectly.” designed roles to bring it all in football that gave me that as part of an application to the our Head Teacher, Carol Cook, to put the required level of together. resilience.” Department of Education (DfE). about building another school effort into. 16 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 17
Ben Chilwell Aaron Ramsdale OTHER DEALS
(Former Sheffield United apprentice) Karlan Grant
£45m (Former Charlton Athletic apprentice)
£18.5m Huddersfield Town West Bromwich Albion
£15m
Ollie Watkins
(Former Exeter City apprentice) Ben Davies Ivan Toney
(Former Northampton Town apprentice)
£28m £2m PP
Peterborough United Brentford
UNDISCLOSED
Joe Gelhardt
Ben Godfrey Max Lowe Wigan Athletic Leeds United
(Former York City apprentice) UNDISCLOSED
UNDISCLOSED
£25m Oli Burke
(Former Nottingham Forest apprentice)
Jayden Bogle West Bromwich Albion Sheffield United
Jude Bellingham SWAP
UNDISCLOSED
Jamal Lowe
UNDISCLOSED (Former Barnet apprentice)
Wigan Athletic Swansea City
Jamal Lewis £800k
Callum Wilson
(Former Coventry City apprentice) UNDISCLOSED Charlie Kelman
Southend United Queens Park Rangers
£20m Demarai Gray
UNDISCLOSED
(Former Birmingham City apprentice) Jack Simpson
AFC Bournemouth Rangers
Ebere Eze UNDISCLOSED
(Former Millwall apprentice) UNDISCLOSED
Regan Riley
£19.5m Bright Osayi-Samuel
Bolton Wanderers Norwich City
UNDISCLOSED
(Former Blackpool apprentice)
Perry Ng
Around £200million has been spent on former UNDISCLOSED Crewe Alexandra Cardiff City
UNDISCLOSED
LFE apprentices during the 2020-21 season.
Fabio Tavares
Here is a selection of the biggest deals. Rochdale Coventry City
UNDISCLOSED
18 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 19“Going through the
When Renell McKenzie-Lyle The young goalkeeper quickly found
himself on the first-team bench for games
started his apprenticeship at against AFC Wimbledon and Swindon
Barnet in 2017, it seemed like Town, with a senior debut feeling like a
whole battle with
realistic expectation.
he was destined for success. However, he was dealt a cruel blow just
days after his 18th birthday that would
ultimately scupper his progress with
epilepsy really has
the Bees.
Having suffered multiple seizures,
McKenzie-Lyle was diagnosed with
epilepsy, which limited his availability on
helped me to develop
the pitch and eventually led to his release.
He told LFE: “I was trying on clothes in
front of the mirror and the next thing
I remember, I woke up and there were
as a person. I didn’t
two paramedics standing over me and
my brother beside them looking really
confused. I was just on the bathroom floor
with an oxygen mask on. It was so scary.
think I was strong
“I had to get a CT scan and they found that
something was there, so I went for an
MRI scan and they told me they’d found
a benign tumour in my brain, which was
enough, but I just had
causing me to have tonic clonic seizures.
“My first thought was that I’m not going
to be able to play football again. I felt like
my life had come to a complete stop. It
to be resilient, keep my
probably sounds dramatic, but at the time,
I just thought everything was over.
“Physically, it takes a lot out of you when
you have a seizure. You can’t really do
head up and maintain
much for a few days afterwards. Mentally,
I think it makes you feel a bit different
from everybody else. You feel like you’re
carrying this thing that nobody really
belief that everything
knows about, because being epileptic
is invisible.”
In need of professional support,
McKenzie-Lyle turned to Young Epilepsy,
would be okay.”
the UK’s only charity dedicated to creating
better lives for children and young adults
with epilepsy and related conditions.
“The club weren’t really sure how to deal
with it because you don’t come across
many people in football with epilepsy, so
that was where the charity came in,” he
said. “My support worker, Alex, came in to
speak to the players and did a session with
the staff to inform them about epilepsy.
20 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 21“After I came out of hospital, I felt “There are a lot of handy tips that I’ve learned and
very low for a while. I felt helpless I think it’s important to pass on that advice to
“I have the mindset to get up
and I was just sleeping a lot, so I used others. You do really have to plan things properly
Young Epilepsy as a support network. I and that is one thing that can sometimes get you
needed to be educated on it and also down. If I want to go out at night or meet friends,
needed some emotional support.
“I was introduced to Leon Legge, who is every day and show everyone I’ve got to make sure my schedule is right.
“I need to get plenty of sleep, take my tablets on
a professional footballer and also has
epilepsy. I was able to speak to him that having epilepsy won’t time and I don’t really drink alcohol. I work with
my neurologist and listen to his advice about my
stop me reaching what I
on the phone and that really gave me tablets and what I should and shouldn’t do. Once
the drive to still pursue my football. we found the right balance for my medication,
Speaking to him just showed that it’s I’ve been able to avoid having seizures.
possible to continue your career and
make things work, even with epilepsy.”
Inspired by his conversation with Port
want to achieve.” “Many people have experienced rising cases
during lockdown due to feelings of stress and not
being able to go out and meet friends and family.
Vale captain Legge, the 20-year-old Informative blogs, advice videos and even an To combat that, I’ve been doing a lot of reading
decided to increase his involvement interview with Jamie Redknapp are also on and meditation, I’ve been on plenty of walks and
with Young Epilepsy, raising awareness McKenzie-Lyle’s list of accomplishments as he have just generally tried a lot of things to keep
and providing support as a Young aims to spread knowledge of the condition, my brain active.”
Ambassador. which affects 112,000 people under the age of
25 in the UK. Now nearly 18 months seizure free, McKenzie-
“I wanted to do more to help others, so Lyle is determined to get back to full fitness and
I started off by talking at an event,” said He added: “One thing I’m really keen to do is go rise back up the leagues, alongside expanding his
McKenzie-Lyle. “Afterwards, I received into different clubs and teach staff and players ambassadorial duties at Young Epilepsy.
positive reviews from people, saying about the topic, because it’s not something we
learn about in first aid courses and it’s something “I’m currently at Hayes & Yeading United,” he said.
they were really inspired by my story “Epilepsy definitely set me back, but it’s just an
and liked my presentation. that we don’t need to be scared of. Epilepsy is
fairly common and it’s not the end of the world if obstacle that I’m overcoming and I’m focused on
“From there, Young Epilepsy asked you are diagnosed. moving forward now and seeing how far I can go.
me to be the face for their Christmas “For anyone that may go through a similar
campaign and then I did an interview experience, I’d say it’s important to realise that
for ITV’s lunchtime news. Shortly after it’s a journey that will make you stronger. It
that, I became a Young Rep and a can be hard to always keep a positive mindset,
Young Trustee, so I now have a bigger but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and
voice for young people and adults with although it may seem like a long process, you will
epilepsy. It’s been a crazy experience develop a lot as a person.
to go from using them as a support
“It’s made me really strong and resilient. One thing
network, to now working for them and
I really used to struggle with was responding to
helping other people.
making a mistake, and I don’t really think about
“Going through the whole battle with that anymore because my mindset is different
epilepsy really has helped me to now. I think about what I can do next to make
develop as a person. I didn’t think I the situation better, so being mentally stronger is
was strong enough, but I just had to something I’ve definitely noticed in myself.
be resilient, keep my head up and
“I have the mindset to get up every day and show
maintain belief that everything would
everyone that having epilepsy won’t stop me
be okay.
reaching what I want to achieve. I want to show
“It’s quite surreal for people to be other people with epilepsy and other invisible
inspired by my journey with epilepsy. conditions that you can still achieve great things
It feels amazing to be able to help in football.
other people who can relate to my
“I’m really keen to become more and more
story and I’m glad I can show them
involved with Young Epilepsy and I’m interested
some positivity.”
in becoming a support worker. I really want to
help people and share my experience, and also
spread awareness within sport.”
22 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 23“
sometimes the
hardest thing in the
world is admitting “
you need help
tony adams MBE
THE PFA
Safety Net
Helping young players
with the challenges
of playing Academy Sporting Chance can help.
football. You can contact us confidentially on 07500 000 777 or email
support@sportingchanceclinic.com
You can text this number on a weekday between 9am
and 5pm and we’ll call you right back. Evening and
weekend texts we’ll respond to the next
working day.
@sportingchanceclinic
Register to access confidential
24 Touchline FEB 21 advice, support & videos. FEB 21 Touchline 25T
It has been seven and he Merseysider’s academic
qualifications, alongside his
a half years since footballing ability, enabled
James Doig completed him the opportunity to
his apprenticeship at pursue a soccer scholarship
at Quinnipiac University in
Accrington Stanley. Connecticut, where he excelled
While he may not on and off the pitch.
have achieved his Now 26, Doig has established
himself in the Big Apple with
dream of becoming his own emerging company,
a professional Social Scousers, which
footballer back in specialises in social media
management, website and
2013, Doig’s time as graphic design, photography
an academy player and videography for its growing
has helped him forge list of clients.
“I told my family and friends
a new life in New York.
that I was probably going to
go for three months, play the
season and then come back at
Christmas,” he told LFE.
“I thought I wouldn’t be able
to cope with the academics
because university standard
would be too tough for me,
so I really didn’t expect to last
much longer than that.
“But in truth, I think that
footballers have the skills
to adapt and be high
achievers anywhere. From
a young age, we’ve had the
discipline to concentrate
for extended periods of
time, organised exercise and
nutritional regimes, listened
to instructions and executed
them, worked on developing
technique and problem-solving
in various scenarios.
“You sacrifice a lot and work a
tremendous number of hours to
get to the apprenticeship level,
so without even knowing it,
you’ve built up an array of skills
that can be transferred into any
number of different areas.”
Despite having doubts over
whether he would settle in the
States, Doig was immediately
made to feel welcome and
quickly lost his inhibitions.
26 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 27“Students would create signs in system accommodates you as “The team is made up of three “When I decided I wanted to
the crowd and chant your name; you’re able to try all sorts of full-time staff, but then a lot of go to the States, I needed the
I loved that experience. The different classes before deciding work is done via freelance. We required education to make me
banner that really stood out for your major. I was undeclared focus mainly on social media eligible, so it was very valuable
me was one that said: ‘Teach for the first year and a half development for companies of to my transition.
me how to Doigy’ – that was a and I was able to try a variety varying sizes. We develop an “It’s okay to be sceptical about
good one.” of different courses before online presence for them and it. I came over thinking I’d give
The Accy academy graduate electing Communications. give them an understanding it a go for three months and
was part of the first ever “The school and the coaches help of how the marketing side can come back, but look at me now,
Quinnipiac side to reach the you every step of the way. You’re help them. I’ve just bought my first home
National Championship during given study hours for extra “We’re working in many in Long Island and I’m building
his freshman year, and went support and we had our own industries, such as sport, retail, a business with long-term
on to pick up several individual tutors and academic advisors music, plumbing and labour. ambitions to stay here.
honours, as well as concluding if we needed them. All of that With the pandemic, a lot of “I also hope to continue my
his career with the most wins guidance helped me to excel.” companies have been unable to education by studying a PhD. I
by a player in the university’s Although the ex-Quinnipiac meet face-to-face with people often think: ‘how have I done
history. captain had offers to continue and they need to focus more of this?’ I want to keep doing that.
“I flew into New York and amazing facilities and have his And it was not just on the their efforts on connecting and I want to keep surprising myself
his playing career in Sweden
straight away I was greeted academics covered in the U.S. pitch where Doig thrived, with engaging with their customers and pushing the boundaries that
and Iceland, Doig decided he
by the coaches at the airport,” was far better than turning his commitment to education and audience online. I’d previously set for myself.
was ready to pursue his next
said Doig. “They took me to a professional in Brazil, and leading to him finishing on the pathway. “Due to the fact it’s an online “I definitely took a risk coming
treatment room to do a fitness that’s the case for many of the Dean’s List for his Master’s business, I’m able to have here, but it was a risk worth
Following internships at AC
test and I even had a press foreign guys. degree, which recognises clients back in England as well, taking. I developed leaps
Connecticut and New York Red
release announcing my arrival, “We had players from 13 academic excellence. so I’m looking to grow the and bounds on the pitch as
so I was really surprised about Bulls, he began blogging for
different countries from all “They call you a scholar-athlete company both over here in the I was given a new injection
how seriously they took it. officially licensed Liverpool FC
over the world. There are because the education comes U.S. and back home.” of confidence and had all
retailer The Anfield Shop, which
“All in the first week, I met with many conferences and they’re first,” he said. “To remain eligible was the catalyst for developing It may not be the route he the guidance and facilities
a dietician telling me what I balanced in terms of budgets, to play soccer, you need to his own company. was visualising as a 16-year- to improve my lifestyle and
should be eating, I was given a so it’s all very competitive and maintain a 2.0 grade point old starting his football performance.
gym and nutrition programme every game matters. Doig added: “I hadn’t done
average. I remember one of my apprenticeship, but Doig is now “On a personal level, I was
and I was made aware of a any blogging before, but I took
“They do a lot of individual first lessons, I rang home and relishing his new challenge and forced to mix with people
service that I could contact if I the position and hoped that
awards and I wanted to win was buzzing that I’d got the plans to progress his academics from all over the world and
needed a sport psychologist. I could find my way. It wasn’t
them. It sounds a bit vain, equivalent of a C, so to end even further. find my way in a completely
long before I was pointed in
“For matches, we’d all travel but I wanted to have the up finishing on the Dean’s List He said: “In hindsight, I’m so new country, plus academically
the direction of someone who
together in a coach or a plane media coverage and I wanted and getting a 4.0 GPA, which grateful for the education that I was learning in all sorts of
needed help with their social
and stay in hotels and have our everyone at the university to is basically straight As, was ran parallel with the football areas, so combining all that has
fantastic. media accounts, then a football
food catered for us before and know who I was. during my apprenticeship. really helped me to grow.”
club got in touch asking if I could
after games, which just shows “It was crazy to “I was driven and a leader as a help them and before I knew
how much funding they put walk around player and took that into the it, I was building a clientele and
into it.” the campus academics. running a no-name business.
The Brit abroad was also and people “Each team must meet a certain “I started hiring people to do
complimentary of the high know who GPA to be eligible to play and I jobs for these different people
standard of play, with athletes you are as if prided myself on being a ‘GPA and organisations, and all
from all over the globe you’re some player’ that helped keep our my project management and
competing for team and sort of levels high as a collective. In education was at the forefront
individual prizes at the celebrity. my freshman year, I was being of what I was doing. After
college level. bailed out by others, so that was
about 18 months running social
“One of my close teammates was important to me to turn that
accounts for various football
a lad from Brazil and he was a around and set the standard.
clubs and retail companies, I
fantastic player,” Doig continued. “Some kids will come over and decided to put a brand on it and
“He explained that the know exactly what they want push it forward, which is where
opportunity to play at to do, but if you don’t then their I developed Social Scousers.
www.socialscousers.com
28 Touchline FEB 21 FEB 21 Touchline 29You can also read
