In an earlier edition of the matchday programme I informed you that current first year professional Tom Adeyemi had received an official nomination for the Apprentice of the Year for League One at the Football League Awards.

I am delighted to report that Tom went on to win the category and was presented his award on stage at the event a fortnight ago.

Tom was obviously very pleased to win and everybody at the Football Club, particularly in the Academy, were of course very proud of his achievement.

Tom was a very strong candidate for the award given his progress on the pitch at such a young age and his undoubted educational ability, but seemed genuinely surprised on the night when he was announced as the winner.

Tom was called to the stage to collect his award and asked some questions in front of the crowd consisting of fellow professional footballers, club officials, media and many more. As expected, Tom dealt with the situation very professionally and was a real credit to himself and the Club. He spoke very well in what would have been a daunting arena for somebody so young and gave very good answers to all questions asked of him.

On behalf of all at Norwich City Football Club, I would like to congratulate Tom on this fantastic achievement, it is testament to the hard work he puts in on the pitch and the hours he spends studying off the pitch as he looks to obtain educational grades of the highest order.

Tom is a real role model for the young players at the Academy, he is proof that it is possible to excel at school and in football if you are willing to work hard and manage your time well. I would expect players of all ages at our Academy to look to emulate Tom's ethic to education and football and give themselves something to fall back on should their dream of becoming a professional footballer not become reality.

Whilst Tom is only at the very beginning of his professional career I am confident he has the drive and desire to achieve and as a result will have a successful career in the game.

Enjoy the game.

Ricky Martin
Academy Manager