Pompey Academy striker Dan Gifford has been named in the latest edition of ‘The 11’ by League Football Education.
This celebrates a player’s achievements on and off the pitch, with regional officers making their judgements based on academic and football progress, as well as participation in external initiatives.
A total of 33 apprentices across the country will receive this recognition during the current campaign.
Gifford has bounced back from an injury-hit 2020/21 season and hit eight goals in 11 appearances so far to fire the young Blues to the top of the Youth Alliance League standings.
He was also named on the bench for the first in their Papa John’s Trophy match at AFC Wimbledon in September.
Pompey’s head of education and player care Jon Slater said: “Dan has started his second year in a very positive manner – both in education and with his football.
“He has worked hard to balance the two disciplines and has continued to produce the highest standard of work for his BTEC Extended Diploma. He is determined and self-motivated towards completing his work each week.
“Following last season’s frustrating time with Covid and getting several niggling injuries, Dan has returned fully fit and has hit the goal trail once again.
“He has also been training with the first team on some occasions following successful training sessions.”