West Ham midfielder Lewis Orford has signed pro terms.
Just days after celebrating his 17th birthday, he put pen-to-paper on his contract at the Club's historic training ground and Academy of Football at Chadwell Heath.
"I am absolutely delighted to sign my first professional contract with the Club," Orford told whufc.com. I have been here since the age of five, so it has been a long, really good journey and I have loved making memories here at the club.
It's a proud moment for my family as well. They are all West Ham fans. My dad is a season-ticket holder, so he is very proud of me, and I know my mum and the rest of my family are too!
This Club has a good history of graduates from its Academy over the years. It's a good moment for me, and I hope to kick on and get near the first team as soon as I can."
Interim Academy Manager Kenny Brown said: Everyone at West Ham United is delighted to see Lewis sign his first professional contract with the Club.
Orford with Mark Noble and Kenny Brown
Lewis has been with the Academy since he was five-years-old and this news will make many people very happy. His development over this period has been impressive and he is now performing to a high level with the U18s and U21s.
Everyone at Chadwell Heath and Rush Green is excited to watch Lewis continue his development over the coming months and years."