How far Ollie Scarles has come.
In June, Scarles penned his first Scholarship agreement with West Ham United. Just over six months later, with a first-team debut to his name, the versatile left-footed put pen to paper on his first professional contract.
Scarles signed his professional deal on his 17th birthday at the Chadwell Heath training ground, the place where he has trained extensively since joining the Academy of Football six years ago. For him, the triumph of this contract belongs just as much to the staff and coaches there as it does him.
“It’s a dream come true, signing my first professional contract,” he told whufc.com. “That I’ve done it with this Club makes it even more special. I’ve been here for six years now, and everyone associated with the Club has helped me to develop both on and off the pitch. I’m so thankful to everyone in the Academy and at the Club for helping me to achieve this.
“It’s surreal to think how far I’ve come. It’s all happened so quickly and, honestly, it does not feel real. Signing my professional deal is such a special thing and to do it on my birthday too, it’s an incredible present!”
Having been one of a host of young, promising talent at the Academy of Football to agree Scholarship terms in the summer, Scarles had been anticipating a 2022/23 season of regular U18s football, with the ambition of pushing into Mark Robson’s development side.
Instead, Scarles has represented the U21s on a regular basis since his debut in September – a 1-1 draw away to Manchester United – and appeared in three first-team UEFA Europa Conference League squads, making his senior debut away to FCSB in November.
“I feel like I’m exceeding my plan that I have here,” he continued. “But I’m so thankful to the coaches around me. I’ve tried to put in 100 per cent every single day, work hard and do things right both on and off the pitch.
“I’m just grateful to everyone around me like my coaches and my parents, who have all pushed me to be even better every single day.
“There’s definitely a step up. It’s different and it’s difficult, but I feel like I’ve coped with it okay. You’ve got the physical aspect too, which is a different experience, but at the same time it prepares for if I’m called up to the first team again.
“If I am, then I’m going to be playing against players who are older than me and more physical, so I will need to show I can cope with that. Hopefully, if I get those chances, I will be ready.”
Scarles will never forget that evening in Bucharest when he, alongside Academy teammate Divin Mubama, was named in David Moyes’ starting XI against FCSB.
Scarles did not just feature; he thrived and was hailed for his efforts on his first-ever first team appearance.
“I can remember being a bit lost for words after that game. I said in the interview I did after the game that it’s every boy’s dream to play first team football, and that still rings true. To make my debut for West Ham United – this special Club – it was amazing.
“I think the first team coaches were pleased with how I performed in Bucharest and pleased with how around the group. I just tried to be me, to be honest. I was brought up to be a nice lad and try my best out on the pitch, and I hope I showed them that.
“The feedback on social media has been amazing too. Everyone has been sending me lovely messages, wishing me the best for the future and wanting to see me progress. I’m grateful for that support from the fans and hopefully I can carry on impressing.”
With the ink dry on his professional deal, Scarles now just wants to continue doing what earned him the contract in the first place.
“I want to stay level-headed now. We’ve got the FA Youth Cup coming up with the U18s and we want to go far in that tournament this season. After Christmas, whether I’m with the U18s or the U21s, I just want to play as well as I can and try to consistently be one of the best players in the group.
“If that then leads to another opportunity in the first team, that would be amazing, but I’m taking small steps.”
