Whatmough and community programme praised
Pompey have been shortlisted in two categories at the 2014 Football League Awards.
The club have already been named Johnstone’s Paint Community Club of the Year (South-West) and will now compete alongside Brentford, Derby, Doncaster and Morecambe for the national prize.
And Jack Whatmough has been nominated for the LFE Apprentice of the Year – League Two award, along with Hartlepool’s Bradley Walker and Plymouth’s Ben Purrington.
The awards will be given out at a glittering ceremony at The Brewery in London on Sunday, March 16.
Pompey in the Community chief executive Clare Martin said: “We were nominated because of the PUP programme – a matchday programme that is designed and produced by kids, for kids and sold before every home game.
“It has been a phenomenal success and we have to thank our friends at Affinion International and Affinion Print Services for all their help and backing.
“It’s fantastic to win the south-west award and we’re looking forward to seeing if we can win the national prize on the night.”
Blues academy manager Andy Awford said: “The Apprentice of the Year category is not just about football – although obviously playing for the first team and taking part in an England training camp have helped Jack’s cause.
“It’s also about the educational work he does and the way he conducts himself off the pitch – and it’s fair to say that he ticks all the boxes.
“We’re delighted and proud that Jack’s been shortlisted and hopefully he’ll take home the award.”
Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “Many millions of fans attend Football League matches each season and The Football League Awards 2014 provides the opportunity to recognise star performances, both on and off the pitch.
“Once again, the quality of the entries this year has been extremely high, so to make the shortlists is a real achievement by the clubs and individuals involved.
“We wish all those nominated the best of luck and look forward to a fantastic evening in March when we will announce the winners.”
Pompey have enjoyed previous success at the Football League Awards, taking home the Family Club of the Year prize at the 2012 event.