Aidan Borland has been awarded Aston Villa's 2024/25 Scholar of the Year award on the back of an impressive campaign in the club's academy.
The young midfielder, who made his senior debut in September in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe Wanderers, was honoured at last week's Premier League Academy Awards.
A Scotland youth international, Borland captained Villa's under-18s to a domestic treble, winning the FA Youth Cup, Under-18 Premier League South and Under-18 Premier League National titles, also leading the under-19s to the last 16 of their maiden UEFA Youth League campaign and featuring in every Premier League 2 fixture for Josep Gombau's under-21s side - starting all but two of their 20 league outings.
The award recognises one scholar from each club who has excelled across all aspects of the programme, both on and off the pitch, serving as a role model to their peers through a positive, professional attitude and application.
In addition to his achievements on the field, which saw him sign a new long-term contract last month, the 18-year-old has demonstrated strong engagement and progress within his education, achieving the highest grade possible of Distinction* Distinction* in his Diploma in Sport Performance & Excellence.
Borland has shown a high level of professionalism to his development programme, which includes performance analysis, athletic development and performance psychology sessions, also achieving a Distinction in his Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence Professional, and engaging in social impact activities within the local community, supporting the Aston Villa Foundation.
Congratulations, Aidan!
