LATEST NEWS: Achievement award for Peterborough United youngster

Centre-back Cartwright, who signed his first professional contract at the ABAX Stadium earlier this season, is one of 11 under 18 Football League players to be recognised by the League Football Education (LFE) for their football and academic progress in December.

The 11 were also judged on their 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.

Sam Cartwright (left) with Posh manager Grant McCann after signing his professional deal.

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).

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.”