Kelly To Attend EFL Awards

The youngster was nominated for his excellent progress in all areas of his apprenticeship, including the completion of an NVQ and passing coaching qualifications. 

The 18-year-old is up against Nottingham Forest’s Ben Brereton and George Hirst of Sheffield Wednesday for the honour. 

Speaking ahead of the awards evening, Kelly told the club’s YouTube channel: “When I found out, I was quite shocked but extremely pleased. 

“Being nominated is quite a big thing so I will now wait and see what happens on the night, but it will be a good evening to see all the famous faces – I’m buzzing. 

“I enjoy the education side of things. Being at a different campus (for his studies) and then coming back to Failand for training is a bit of a hustle but I do enjoy it. 

“As part of the education scheme we do our Level 2 coaching badge, which I managed to secure, so hopefully if I have a good career that is another path I can take after it.” 

Kelly travelled with the club’s Community Trust to work as a volunteer work in 2013 and two years later was on pre-season tour once more, this time in the first-team fold. 

“I got involved with the Trust and while we were in Botswana we bonded with the young children and painted a campus for blind children, which was really rewarding,” he added. 

“It was a great experience and extremely humbling. It was heart-warming to see how we were accepted but all you could see was smiles on faces. 

“It was a hectic 12 months as I had just finished my GCSEs when I started training with the under-23s before I was thrown in to first team training. It was surreal but exciting. 

“I was then on the first team’s pre-season tour in Portugal which was a good learning experience and it has helped fast track my football development.” 

Lee Tomlin’s stunning half-volley against Huddersfield Town last season is also in the final five shortlisted for the Goal of the Year award. 

The winner of both accolades will be announced at the EFL Awards, which takes place in London on Sunday. 

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