Cheltenham Town starlet scoops top award
CHELTENHAM Town youngster Kyle Haynes has scooped the Coca-Cola League Two Apprentice of the Year award at the 2010 Football League Awards.
The 18-year-old right-back broke into the Robins' senior team last season, becoming the club's youngest League player.
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Kyle Haynes with his Football League award
He made four appearances last term and has continued his progress with 15 this season.
The former Birmingham City youth team player came out on top in a category that includes all second year scholars and first year professionals.
The judges looked at the record of the player in all competitions since becoming an apprentice alongside his educational attainment, disciplinary record and any other outstanding achievements.
A group of Cheltenham Town officials accompanied Kyle to the awards ceremony, which was hosted by BBC Sports presenter Mark Clemmit at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Haynes received his award before an audience of more than 900 people.
"It's a fantastic achievement for Kyle to win this award and also great recognition for our youth development programme," said Cheltenham's head of youth Ken Oram.
"He has worked very hard, not only on his football but also at his education and this is a great reward for him.
"Equally importantly, this award provides recognition for all the players, coaches and staff working in the centre of excellence and it shows what can be achieved."
Haynes joined Cheltenham as a 16-year-old having been released by Birmingham.
His father, a lifelong Wolves fan, was reputedly keen for him to join Cheltenham due to the presence of former Wolves player Keith Downing on the coaching staff at the time.
Haynes scored four times from the right-back position in an FA Youth Cup win over Exeter City earlier this season.
His performances have earned him the offer of a professional contract along with Jake Lee, Theo Lewis and Josh Emery.
Haynes and midfielder Cathal Tosh were accepted onto the scholarship programme due to the arrival of a new laundry room at the club's Seasons training ground. The savings made on external launderette bills freed up enough money for two extra scholars.
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by Robin, Chelt
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 1:58PM
“Its a good job the youth system is working after you know who dismantled the scouting network...we have to grow our own!”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 12:05PM
“Nobody feed the fishes.”
by Fishead, Fishtown
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 12:02PM
“Congratulations to the lad. He should make you some good money when you have to sell him to a league club next season.”
by Richard lll, Cheltenham
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 12:00PM
“Very well done on your award Kyle! Players like yourself, Jake, Theo + Josh are the future of CTFC - Not only by playing in the 1st Team more often next season, but also if other clubs spot your talents and you move on up the Football league ladder ie: Mike Duff.
Let's just hope thou, that if any of our promising younsgters are sold on, we get proper financial reward for doing so, unlike in the Duff case.
Here's to next season Kyle - all the best.”
by Spike, Whaddon
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 11:33AM
“Well done Kyle, the youth set up seems to be doing something right. With 4 lads being offered pro contracts, and playing in the first team and the lad (Jamie Edge I think his name is) going to Arsenal. They must have a good scouting network to keep finding these gem's. Well done to all at the youth scheme staff. keep up the good work. The club is proud of you.”