One of our Own, Jake Richards has been named the LFE League One Apprentice of the Year at the EFL Awards!
The award recognises the outstanding young professionals at EFL Clubs who excel both on and off the pitch, considering their educational progress and contribution to their local area. Players registered as first or second year apprentices, or first year professionals (if started on an Apprenticeship contract and then converted at 17 to a pro contract) are eligible for this award.
It has been quite the season for 17-year-old Jake, who has made 19 first team appearances so far this season - 11 in EFL Sky Bet League One. Jake has played 633 league minutes and hit the milestone of scoring his first League goal in City's 3-1 win over Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day. Jake also scored a stunning free-kick from distance against Spurs U21s in the Vertu Motors Trophy earlier in the season.
Jake made his full City EFL debut as a 16-year-old on a scorching day at SJP against Leyton Orient, he became the next ‘off the production line’ for the Exeter City Academy that has produced an international captain, and England semi-final goal-scorer, and many more Premier and Football League players. That day he assisted Demetri Mitchell's stunning goal.
Richards’ journey to elite football hasn’t followed the usual pathway of a Grecians academy player though, with his development not utilising the non-league loan system but instead being nurtured entirely in-house at the Cliff Hill Training Ground throughout the age groups.
Jake was up against Kofi Shaw of Bristol Rovers and Luca Whitney of Shrewsbury Town and was delighted to scoop the award!
Speaking about winning the award at the awards evening Jake said: “It feels amazing, all my hard work over the past few seasons is paying off. I’ve taken my opportunities with open arms and I’m so pleased with where it’s taken me.”
Well deserved, Jake!