Wanderers have awarded their first caps under its new Academy Legacy Programme, writes Pete Oliver.
The programme has been launched to recognise and reward those that have completed a two-year scholarship within the Whites’ Academy since the launch of the nationwide Elite Player Performance Plan in 2012.
Twenty-one current or former scholars who have been with Wanderers until at least the end of the current campaign were the first to receive the special caps, which each come with an individual ‘graduation’ number, from head coach Steven Schumacher at a presentation ceremony in the Wanderers' Suite.
Those who have previously completed the programme will also receive caps and a letter of congratulations to reflect their achievement in completing the scholarship course which covers their footballing pathway, personal development and an educational qualification in sport to potentially open up other future career avenues.
A total of 105 young players have completed scholarships with the Whites in five complete cohorts since 2012, with Wanderers also planning to hold an alumni day next season to recognise their achievement and invite them back to the club.
“It’s an idea that we've been working on for the last 18 months or so, driven by (Head of Education) Alex Norwood, and it's been really fitting that we've implemented it this year,” said Academy Manager Dave Gardiner on the back of a season that has seen the Youth Team complete a league and cup double.
“We're possibly one of the first clubs in the EFL to have introduced such a programme and it’s just a great opportunity for our scholars who have come through with us to be recognised and have something to look back on in years to come. We're proud of what they've achieved.
“We're all about developing the person, as well as the player, with the life skills and a qualification to support them on their journey and a great platform to build upon in life. They put a lot of hours and time into it - with the football on top of that – and we feel this is a great way to recognise their achievement and what they've done.”