West Ham United is delighted to announce that Academy scholar Archie Woods has signed professional terms with the Club.
Woods was a crucial component in Kevin Keen’s U18s side throughout the 2021/22 season, featuring 26 times in all competitions and scoring once. The 18-year-old also played twice at U23s level, making two outings in the Premier League Cup.
The midfielder follows fellow Academy stars Michael Forbes, Jacob Knightbridge, Will Greenidge, Regan Clayton, Kaelen Casey, George Earthy and Junior Robinson in penning a professional contract at West Ham.
Woods will now join his fellow new professionals in continuing his development with the U21s under the guidance of former Hammer Mark Robson.
“Signing a professional deal with West Ham United is a big achievement for my family and me,” Woods told whufc.com. “It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since day one. It’s huge for any young player to get a professional contract, and I’m delighted to be able to say I’m a professional footballer.
“To do it at West Ham is a dream as well. I’ve dreamt of playing for West Ham since I was five-years-old. It’s amazing to be able to say now that I’m a professional footballer for the team I’ve supported since I was a boy, and played for since I was ten.”
“I am delighted Archie has agreed professional terms with the Club,” Academy Manager Ricky Martin said. “Archie has been with the Academy of Football since he was ten-years-old and he was an consistent figure in our U18s last season.
“Archie has joined a number of his teammates in signing a professional deal with West Ham and we are excited for each of them to continue their respective journeys in the development side in the 2022/23 season.”
A combative midfielder and natural leader, as well as a lifelong West Ham United fan who follows the first team both home and away when the match schedule allows, Woods also captained both the U15s and U16s during his time in each side.
An impressive run in the U18s last season, one that saw the team finish second in the U18 Premier League South table, saw Woods catch the eye of U21s lead coach Robson and earn his first opportunity in the development team.
Woods was a second half substitute in the away Premier League Cup clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers and started the home fixture with Swansea City in February.
Now working with Robson’s young Hammers ahead of the 2022/23 season, the young midfielder is eager to continue his progression through the ranks.
Everyone at West Ham United congratulates Archie on his professional deal and wishes him every success in Claret and Blue.
