Tyrese Francois and Connor McAvoy scooped awards pitchside at half time in our win against Millwall at Craven Cottage.
Francois won the Johnny Haynes Academy Player of the Year award, in partnership with the Supporters’ Trust, which takes into account performances on the pitch as well as all-round character. This award was voted for by Academy staff and players in the Under-16 to 23s age group.
McAvoy took the award of Premier League Scholar of the Year. This award is of a similar merit to Francois’ which one player from each team in the Premier League Programme receives. The accolade is given to a player that excels in all formats of his scholarship; whether that’s on the pitch or in the classroom as well as acting as a role model.
Academy Director, Huw Jennings was quick to praise the work ethic of Francois as well as commend the Supporters’ Trust for their support.
“We’ve had really good relations with the Fulham Supporters’ Trust who have been very proactive in trying to promote our work.” He told fulhamfc.com. “This was their idea to come up with the Johnny Haynes Academy Player of the Year award. This is great for Tyrese who shows an exemplary attitude and works hard to give his maximum. It’s pleasing that Tyrese embodies the key virtues we promote here of hard-work, honesty and humility.”
Jennings was also complimentary of Premier League Scholar of the Year in McAvoy. An award that he was overdue in receiving.
“This award is given to a player from each team in the Premier League Programme, which includes some clubs outside the Premier League.” He continued. “Connor was among some great nominees, but the decision was unanimous among Academy management. He was away in Hong Kong when this was presented at the Youth Conference, so we thought it only right that he collected this award with Tyrese.”