First-year scholar Matthew Downing has been named the 2015/16 Leeds United Apprentice of the Year.

The 16-year-old full-back received the annual award, previously handed to the likes of Sam Byram, in recognition of his all-round engagement in the Academy’s Apprenticeship Programme.

Staff from all departments at Thorp Arch nominated a scholar for the award, taking into account football development, progression on the Academy’s education framework and personal conduct around the training ground.

Matthew’s consistency on the field also saw him finish the season as the Under-18s’ top appearance maker after featuring 31 times, leading to an Under-21s debut against Barnsley at Oakwell last month.

Matthew said: “It’s a very prestigious award – people who have won it in the last couple of years have gone on to have very good careers. I’m buzzing with it.

“In my second year as a scholar I want to push on and try to get a professional contract.

“Next season I want to play a lot of 18s football, like I have done this year, and try and get some games with the 21s as well and challenge myself. I want to keep pushing on and progressing.”

Leeds United Academy Manager, Adam Underwood, added: "Having been with us from the age of eight, all of the staff at Thorp Arch are extremely proud of Matty. He is a model apprentice; talented, hard-working and humble. This recognition is thoroughly deserved.

“Not only has he been a near ever-present at left-back in the Under-18s this season, he has also made fine progress on the education programme, in the gym and with his coaching badge.

“His desire to succeed and make the most of his opportunity with the club is infectious and sets a great example to the younger Academy boys. What’s more, I’ve never seen him without a smile on his face! It’s a real pleasure to have him in the building."