The youth-team defender has been recognised for his good work both on and off the pitch during his apprenticeship at Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient youngster Toby Stevenson has followed in the footsteps of Sam Dalby by being named in the League Football Education’s ‘The 11’.

Defender Stevenson, who is part of the O’s youth set-up and currently impressing on loan at Bostik North club Heybridge Swifts, has seen his achievements on and off the pitch recognised.

After helping Orient’s under-18s reach the third round of the FA Youth Cup, the left-footed teenager has also caught the eye off the pitch and joins Dalby in being selected as part of the LFE’s ‘The 11’.

A statement read: “The on and off the pitch achievements of 11 young footballers has been recognised by LFE.

“‘The 11’ acknowledges the football and academic progress of under-18 players on apprenticeships at current or former English Football League clubs - and is also designed to assess other factors including involvement in community or charity-based initiatives.

“This accolade celebrates the holistic development of young players, a barometer which is also applied to the LFE Apprentice of the Year Awards presented at The EFL Awards dinner in April.

“England under-20 World Cup winners Ademola Lookman (formerly Charlton Athletic), Dael Fry (Middlesbrough), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (formerly Sheffield United) and Lewis Cook (formerly Leeds United) have all previously been named in ‘The 11’.

“Everton forward Lookman and AFC Bournemouth midfielder Cook also went on to become Apprentice of the Year winners.

“Others to previously feature in this select group include Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham), Conor Chaplin (Portsmouth) and James Justin (Luton Town).

The 11 – February 2018: Roy Syla (Barnet); Matthew Wolfe (Barnsley), Sam Squire (Cambridge United), Ryan Schofield (Huddersfield Town), Toby Stevenson (Leyton Orient); Harry Bircumshaw (Mansfield Town), Momodou Touray (Newport County), Alfie Payne (Norwich City), Tom Hamer (Oldham Athletic); David Parkhouse (Sheffield United), Alex Hunt (Sheffield Wednesday).

LFE chief executive Alan Sykes added: “The 11 is directly associated with apprentice reviews that are conducted by our regional officer’s throughout the season.

“It is a great way to highlight the achievements and progression of talented young footballers who apply themselves to all aspects of their apprenticeship.”