Sam Long has been named in ‘The 11’ by League Football Education.
The 11 celebrates achievements on and off the pitch, with players selected by our regional officers, who make judgements based on:
• Academic progress
• Football progress
• Other factors - including participation in external initiatives e.g. community work or overcoming adversity of some form.
From a selection of almost 1,200 apprentices across the country, 33 young players will have recieved the recognition during the 2019-20 season, aligning with college review periods.
Coming from an independent school education background, Sam has settled into Academy life admirably, having been out of the system since a brief spell at Crystal Palace six years ago.
The first-year apprentice, who is studying an A-Level alongside the Extended Diploma, has trained regularly with the first-team goalkeepers and impressed with a man-of-the-match display in the FA Youth Cup third round against Manchester United.
Academy Manager Jordan McCann told LFE: “Sam is an outstanding young man and has started his career at Lincoln City in exemplary manner, setting standards of behaviour at the apprentice accommodation and across both aspects of his education.
“Sam shows a real commitment to his development, conducts himself impeccably at all times and is progressing in all areas of his apprenticeship. His attitude, character and personality has had a positive effect on all the other apprentices.
Jez George, Head of Football, added: “Sam has become an infectious member of the squad, setting the highest standards for himself and others to follow in how he trains and conducts himself each day. This has been even more impressive considering the demands on his education.”