There were celebrations at the Hibernian Training Centre last week as the Development Squad’s academic success was marked.
In addition to the Hibernian Academy Development Diplomas, the players received St Andrew’s First Aid certificates after their recent course in Sports Injury Response.
Josh Campbell, Kane O’Connor and Kevin Dabrowski also attained their Modern Apprenticeship in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance (SVQ Level 3).
The respective certificates were presented by Hibs’ Chief Executive, Leeann Dempster, who spoke of the club’s pride in the efforts made by the Academy graduates and the satisfaction felt in watching them develop as young men as well as footballers.
Head of Football Operations, George Craig said: “That is just not us. We will always want to help our young players be the best they can be and to put in place an innovative and effective programme for them.”
Education and Welfare officer Seán McPartlin said: “They are a great group of lads who are a credit to the club and their families. It’s a pleasure to work with them.
“The programme this year has covered theory and practice – with everything from a jet pilot training officer to nutrition apps and drills for strength and conditioning.
“The players have been able to understand the great array of expertise and commitment that is present in the Hibernian Training Centre and the staff here are owed a huge debt of thanks for their support of the education programme and the players individually.
“It was good to see a large number of staff present for the awards. Aside from George and Leeann, it was greatly appreciated that Paul Heckingbottom and Robbie Stockdale were able to attend.
“It’s a sign of how much the whole club values the efforts of our youngsters.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
