Exeter City FC

EXETER CITY FOOTBALL CLUB are delighted to announce that its League Football Education apprentices have produced record outstanding results, with 100% staying on programme for the two years (compared to the LFE national average of 97%) and 100% achieving the full framework of qualifications (95% being the national average). Of course, these two figures match the very best in the country.
 
In terms of Education Components performance, 100% of those involved at Exeter City FC achieved their National Vocational Qualifications. The national average was 97%. Further perfect scores went to the club’s performance in attaining the Technical Certificate and Functional Skills components (both above the national average), while the club’s score of 88% in coaching is the only statistic slightly below the average of 91%.

Four pro contracts were awarded to apprentices of the 2013-15 cohort, matching the figure of the 2012-14 class. Our conversion percentage of 50% is also above the national average of 43%.

Alex Byrne has enjoyed some playing time during his loan with Weston-super-Mare, Cameron Gill has taken a step in the right direction on loan at Truro City after his early part of the season was blighted with injury, and Joe Charles has also had a long-term injury to contend with, but is now looking forward. Sadly, defender Josh Read is no longer with the club, but he did himself proud working alongside the first-team in pre-season and later played in the St. Luke’s Cup.

In 2015, the following Exeter City FC apprentices achieved their ASE Framework:

•    Dean Billingsley
•    Alex Byrne
•    Joseph Charles
•    Cameron Gill
•    Jamie Harkness
•    Charlie Madden
•    James Mitchison
•    Josh Read


Exeter City academy manager Simon Hayward commented: "It was a great group of players to work with. Five of them were with us from a very young age and came all the way through the system; a couple were picked up when Yeovil Town closed their academy a few years back. The two who were brought in from Yeovil, Joe Charles and Josh Read, made it through to earning a professional contract.

“It’s important to highlight that we encourage our youngsters to prioritise their academic work over and above the football – we think that is the right thing to do for their long-term future, because football isn’t going to look after them forever. We’re very fortunate to have such terrific partnership with Exeter College and the LFE, which facilitates the boys getting the desired results.”

Club chairman Julian Tagg added: “Educational achievement at the highest level possible for every young player is important for both players and parents alike should the ultimate goal not be achieved. The academy’s ethos under Simon Hayward is that the importance of education is emphasised at the outset of the academy journey. The club is delighted to see this educational development, coupled with some excellent results.”