Liverpool's Royal Philarmonic Hall played host to the Everton Youth Acadamy annual awards on Monday evening.
The prestigious awards ceremony was attended by players and their families from all Academy age groups, and included guest speeches from assistant manager Steve Round and the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram.
First-team players Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell were also in attendance, and received a very warm reception from the 500-strong audience.
Rodwell, who joined the Everton Academy at the age of seven, recalled fond memories of sitting in the same audience for the first time as a schoolboy 11 years ago.
A shining example and role model to the Toffees' budding young stars, the first-team duo presented end-of-season pennants to players from all age groups ranging from under-6s to under-18s.
Compere for the evening, BBC Radio Merseyside's Alan Jackson, began proceedings with a speech highlighting Everton's Academy successes and achievements since its inception in 1997.
The most prestigious award of the evening, the Keith Tamlin award, went to Under-18 central defender James McCarten.
The 18-year-old received the award as recognition not only for his contributions on the pitch, but his social and personal skills around the Academy as a whole.
James' progression was recognised when he signed a professional deal with the Club in October 2008, and the Netherton-born star admitted he was shocked to be handed the most highly-regarded award of the evening.
"I was surprised to get it to be honest with you", said McCarten. "I thought a few players this season have played well, but obviously they voted for me, so I am privileged really.
"Next season I hope to play regularly for the reserves and try and get on the fringe of the first team if I can."
Lord Mayor Steve Rotheram acknowledged the young Blues' international honours, giving official international jerseys to ten players who have gained international recognition. Among these were striker Jose Baxter, who is currently away on international duty with England at the Under-17s European Championships in Germany.
The final speech of the evening was given by Academy Manager Ray Hall. He paid tribute to all staff and players, underlining their outstanding commitment and dedication to the Everton Academy which has made the Blues' ongoing achievements possible. He also credited the evening's big winner McCarten on his success.
"It's a nice way of marking their achievements over the year", said Hall. "To actually be in an Academy like ours anyway is a big achievement, and to get to the end of it is a further achievement.
"It's a testimony to the hard work that goes on here - identifying the talent and helping them develop technically, mentally, physically and socially. So there is an awful lot that goes on.
"James joined us as a very young boy, and he's battled away and gained a place in the reserve team. Where he goes from here - I hope it's into our first team squad, but if it isn't - I'm sure he will find a career in football.
"He's shown the kind of attitude that we would hope every player would have - he's a fantastic young player to have in the Academy, and the type of player a young boy should look up to."
