The award is part of a Premier League initiative where players who have excelled at all aspects of their scholarship across the two years, including development on the pitch, attitude to education, professionalism in the role and personal development are celebrated for their efforts.
Selected by club staff, Hodnett was the resounding winner when staff met to discuss last year’s candidates for the award, following a successful few years with Steve Davis’ under-18s.
The midfielder has made the step up into James Collins’ under-23s this term, featuring in matches during a pre-season where he also had his first taste of senior football, having trained alongside Bruno Lage’s first-team.
Although Hodnett was unable to receive his Scholar of the Year award in person at the Premier League end of season conference due to the Covid-19-effected ceremony taking place virtually, he finally got rewarded with his trophy recently, as Coady was on hand to pass over the award.
The captain surprised the 18-year-old with the award at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground ahead of the international break, ensuring Jack’s efforts and achievements were recognised.
Hodnett, who also earned his professional contract earlier this year, is currently building up his fitness following injury in a bid to re-join the under-23s, who have made a positive start to their 2021/22 season.
