A path to a first professional contract is never straightforward. For most young players and their families, it involves endless travel, numerous setbacks and resilience in the face of rejection.
For Sean Tarima, however, the biggest battle was with himself. Scouted by West Ham United from his local Sunday league team, Euro Dagenham, at just eight years old, Tarima became one of the key figures in a uniquely talented Academy age group featuring the likes of Divin Mubama, Kaelan Casey and George Earthy. But ahead of becoming a full-time footballer at U16s level, Tarima suffered his first major setback, a meniscus injury.
Nonetheless, Tarima recovered in time to sign a scholarship with West Ham. In his first year, he came into his own, starting every game as the U18s went toe-to-toe with Southampton for the Premier League South title. However, another meniscus injury would rule him out halfway through the campaign.
“As you can imagine, tearing my meniscus in my other knee after suffering the injury just a year previously was a huge setback,” he admitted. “It was hard, because at that age, you’re fighting for your first professional contract. A lot of my teammates around me were getting pro deals, so I was doubting whether I was going to make it.
“Luckily, the physio team, the staff and the coaches I had around me were amazing and had so much faith in me to come back stronger. My family were there for me through everything, and I kept faith in God, too. The opportunity to get back in the team and eventually sign my professional contract is something I’ll never take for granted.”
It would take nine months for Tarima to make it back into the U18s squad. However, his patience paid off, becoming an integral part of the squad that stormed to the Premier League South title, winning by 17 points, while playing in every round of West Ham’s famous 2023 FA Youth Cup victory.
He continued: “It was such a great season. I think you can see in the pictures what it meant to all of us. Although I came on in the final when we were already 4-1 up, every goal that night meant so much. [Josh] Briggs’ goal was like crossing the finish line. Doing it in front of all those away fans at the Emirates Stadium is such a unique experience as an Under-18.”
Shortly after, Tarima would sign the elusive first professional contract. Now, in his second year as a professional footballer, the 20-year-old centre-back is making sure he’s doing everything he can to be ready for the next step in his career, senior football.
He added: “I’ve had my first taste of senior football this season, playing in the EFL Trophy and National League Cup. It’s a good test for all of us. That’s where we want to be, playing senior football and competing against experienced players. Facing off against these guys. It’s a great way of seeing what’s next, and understanding where you’re at. I feel like I’ve done well in those games, so I’m looking forward to the next step.
“My first proper session with the first team was crazy, surreal, to be honest. But you have to back yourself, show you’re comfortable, and prove that’s where you want to be. I made sure to ask questions, take everything in, and learn what the environment is like at that level.”
Any Questions
Best piece of advice for a young player recovering from a long-term injury?
Stay positive. Try to distract yourself with hobbies and work hard in the rehab. That distracted me a lot. Making sure I was doing the right things in rehab to get back faster. You’ll enjoy that process and it will stop you from dwelling on the injury. I enjoyed watching a lot of the games at that time too, seeing what I could do in those games when I’m back.
Best player you've ever seen in person?
I’m a huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan, so seeing him when Manchester United played West Ham at London Stadium was special.
What’s been your best performance for West Ham?
I think Ipswich in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final. It was a hard game defensively, but I thought I played really well during the 120 minutes.
Toughest opponent you've faced?
Malcolm Ebiowei. He’s currently on loan at Oxford United, from Crystal Palace. This was during U16s when he was at Arsenal. He was moving different that day, I was up against him, and he had a really good game.
Best thing about being a professional footballer?
Being able to come in every day and do something that you love, especially with such a great bunch of lads.
Who's the most important person in getting you to where you are today?
My parents, they motivate me a lot. They’ve played a massive role in getting me to where I am today. As parents they’re as dedicated to it as you are. The distances they’ve had to travel, how much they encourage me to do my best and the advice they give me on and off the pitch. They just want me to succeed, and I want to make them proud.
