West Ham have announced that young centre back Airidas Golambeckis has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The youngster signed the deal at Rush Green on his 17th birthday with his parents and older brother by his side. Discussing signing his first professional contract with the Club’s official website, Golambeckis said: “It’s a dream come true. I’ve been an East London boy my whole life. I grew up watching West Ham, thinking maybe one day I could play for them. Being offered a pro contract is without a doubt one of the best days of my life. But I’m not taking this for granted, I’ll keep pushing to hopefully become a West Ham player in the future.”

Since he became a full time scholar this summer, the 17 year old has been in excellent goal scoring form having scored an impressive five goals in ten appearances for the Hammers U18 side. His defensive capabilities as well as his goal threat from set pieces saw him called up to the England U18’s squad. Golambeckis scored for the Three Lions in a win against Ukraine last month.

Reflecting on becoming a scholar as well as being able to celebrate his birthday by signing professional terms with the club, Golambeckis said: “Becoming a scholar has been a massive change for me. Leaving school and committing fully to football makes it your whole life, and it’s a lot of hard work. Signing a pro contract on my birthday means everything to me.”

The young centre back went on to add: “Although it’s an amazing feeling, it doesn’t change anything for me. I need to keep working and continue improving.”

An East London boy, 17 year old Golambeckis joined West Ham’s academy as a nine year old after spending two years in the Club’s Foundation’s football development school.

Academy Manager Kenny Brown was full of praise for the young defender and was delighted for him to be able to put pen to paper on his first professional contract: “This contract is a reward for Airidas’ dedication and the level he is playing at now. Like with all young players, we need to manage his development carefully and introduce him to different challenges along the way.”

“It’s fantastic to sign another local boy who’s been with us since the U9s. He knows this is his club, and he’s had incredible support from his family, who have always trusted the way we’ve managed his path.” added Brown.