West Ham United is pleased to announce that Mason Terry has signed professional terms with the Club.
The goalkeeper put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract with the Hammers at the Club’s iconic Chadwell Heath training ground, which serves as the home of the Academy of Football.
Terry has been a regular between the sticks for the U18s this season, making 23 appearances in all competitions and keeping eight clean-sheets. His efforts were pivotal for Kevin Keen’s side as the young Hammers claimed the U18 Premier League South division title and the FA Youth Cup.
The 18-year-old also made his U21s debut for the Hammers in November, coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 Premier League International Cup win over Feyenoord.
Terry told whufc.com. “I am absolutely delighted to sign my contract. I’ve been at the club since I was eight or nine so it is a dream come true to sign my first professional contract with this club. I’ve worked so hard to get to this moment and it’s rewarding to say that my hard work has paid off. I couldn’t be happier.
"It has been an unbelievable season. Obviously winning the FA Youth Cup and the U18 Premier League South stands out. It has been an incredible season and I have enjoyed every single moment of it. The aim now is to continue in the same way now that I have signed this contract.
“I’m really excited for the new season already. I’ll be based at Rush Green with the U21s instead of at Chadwell Heath with the U18s, and the first team will be training two pitches along from me. Hopefully I can make a good impression and if I get an opportunity to train with them it’ll be all about showing them what I can do.”
In agreeing terms with the Hammers, Terry becomes the seventh youngster to sign a professional contract with the Club this season, following Ollie Scarles, Callum Marshall, Gideon Kodua, Lewis Orford and, most recently, Ryan Battrum and Billy Bates, in penning his deal.
Academy Manager Kenny Brown said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Mason to his professional contract with West Ham United. Mason has been with the Club since he was nine-years-old and has developed not only into a talented young goalkeeper, but also a truly nice young man.
“As a regular for our U18s this season, Mason has been integral to the teams’ successes in the U18 Premier League South and the FA Youth Cup, and also served as the side’s vice-captain with pride.
“Everyone in the Academy is eagerly looking forward to see what comes next for Mason.”
From nearby Canvey, Terry joined the Academy at nine-years old having been scouted playing for Sunday side Essex Allstars and worked his way up through the age ranks.
The shot-stopper made four appearances for the U18s in the 2021/22 season and would establish himself as the first-choice in goal for Keen’s young side this campaign with 14 league appearances, during which he would keep seven clean-sheets.
Terry would also be the team’s starting goalkeeper in the FA Youth Cup run, playing in every round and making a string of incredible saves – most notably in the final against Arsenal - as the Irons secured the trophy for the fourth time.
Terry’s form for the U18s saw him rewarded for his efforts with a first outing in the development team in November. The goalkeeper came on as a second-half substitute in the Premier League International Cup against Feyenoord, helping the U21s to a 3-0 win at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate Mason on his professional deal and wish him all the best for his future career in Claret and Blue.
