COLCHESTER United youngster Jake Hutchinson's achievements have been recognised in the shape of a League Football Education award nomination.

Hutchinson has been called up to U's first-team duty this season, having impressed for the club's academy under-23 and under-18 sides.

Now the talented 17-year-old has been hailed for his achievements on and off the pitch, along with ten other young footballers.

Hutchinson has made ‘The 11’, which recognises the football and academic progress of under-18 players on apprenticeships at current or former EFL clubs.

“Jake has made a terrific impact as an apprentice, with his progress on the pitch for the Under-18s and Under-23s putting him in a good position to gain a professional contract,” said LFE Regional Officer Gavin Willacy.

“He has also excelled at Thurstable School, where he is on course for a high grade in the Extended Diploma, which will open up many alternative opportunities if his future lies away from Colchester.

"He works incredibly hard and seems determined to maximise his potential in all aspects of the apprenticeship.”

Having moved to the club from Brighton and Hove Albion, striker Hutchinson has steadily improved his standing at Colchester throughout his apprenticeship, establishing himself as an important figure in the Under-18s.

The 17-year-old, who travelled with the U's first-team squad for their game at Morecambe earlier this season, has earned many outings for the under-23 side.

He has gained experience of men’s football via loan spells with Grays Athletic, Brightlingsea Regent and Hitchin Town.

Meanwhile, Hutchinson's commitment to education saw him become the first Colchester apprentice to finish the NVQ, while he is working above target at a D*D*D grade profile on the Extended Diploma.

‘The 11’ acknowledges the football and academic progress of under-18 players on apprenticeships at current or former EFL clubs and is also designed to assess other factors, including involvement in community or charity-based initiatives.

During the 2019-20 season, 33 apprentices will be selected for the award, which celebrates the holistic development of young players and is a barometer applied to the LFE Apprentice of the Year awards.

All three Academy players to triumph at the EFL Awards last April – Max Bird (Derby County), Daniel Adshead (Rochdale AFC – now Norwich City) and Arthur Iontton (Stevenage) – were also previously named in The 11.

Elsewhere, other notable Academy graduates to earn the accolade includes Dominic Calvert-Lewin (formerly of Sheffield United), Lewis Cook (formerly of Leeds United), Ademola Lookman (formerly of Charlton Athletic), Oli McBurnie (formerly of Bradford City) and Ryan Sessegnon (formerly of Fulham).

LFE chief executive Sarah Stephen added: “The 11 is directly associated with apprentice reviews that are conducted by our regional officers throughout the season. It is a great way to highlight the achievements and progression of talented young footballers who apply themselves to all aspects of their apprenticeship.”