West Ham United is pleased to confirm that 17-year-old midfielder Connor Brooks has joined the Club’s Academy U18s squad from Isthmian League North Division side Concord Rangers.
Capable of playing a range of roles across the midfield and a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, Brooks will continue his footballing development as a full-time scholar at Chadwell Heath, following a successful trial period.
He made his debut for Concord in the FA Vase against AFC Dunstable in August 2024, when he was just 16, and was soon an instrumental part of Sam Collins’ team.
He made over 20 appearances across all competitions in the Beach Boys’ successful 2024/25 campaign, which saw them finish 16th in the Isthmian League North Division, and is now relishing the step into full-time football with the Hammers.
“It's surreal. I feel incredible,” a beaming Brooks said. “It’s a moment you always dream of, and to come to a Club like West Ham United - I couldn’t ask for anything better.
“It’s been a bit different for me over the last few weeks because I haven't been in a club’s academy before, and have been playing men's football, so it was different being in a full-time environment, but I’ve settled in nicely and have enjoyed every single bit of it.
“The pathway for young players at West Ham is clear, and when you see that pathway, it gives you a real character and something to really go for as well. That was definitely one of the pushing factors as to why I chose to continue my development with West Ham United, as was having the opportunity to work with the coaches, who really want to help develop me as a player.
“I'm a competitive defensive or box-to-box midfielder and can break up play, find passes and score a few goals, too!
“It’s a Club that has a history of giving young players opportunities, and hopefully I can be part of the future.”
Prior to playing for Concord, Brooks featured for his local team - Essex-based Leawood FC - then joined Isthmian League Premier Division side Hashtag United.
Having made his senior debut almost a year ago, he hasn't looked back since and was named Concord’s Young Player of the Year for 2024/25.
“I started with my local team, Leawood FC, when I was six years old and then moved on to play for Hashtag United,” Brooks continued.
“I got my opportunity with Concord’s first-team last season, in the FA Vase against AFC Dunstable, and from there I played most weeks and held my ground against seasoned professionals. It was an incredible experience [with Concord], and men's football has worked out as a positive pathway for me.
“I think I dealt with the physicality side of it, and it helped me as a player. You're playing against men week in, week out, and you find new ways to play and what to do in certain situations.
“I was really happy with the Young Player of the Year Award, with the way I played and the praise I got from the coach and his staff, but this was the next positive step in my development, and now I’m hoping to push on further.”
Meanwhile, Brooks admits he looks to someone like U21s goalkeeper Mason Terry as inspiration, after the stopper spent the 2023/24 season on loan at The Aspect Arena, for whom his outstanding performances won him the Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Year Awards.
“I do know of Mason [Terry], and obviously he had an incredible season with Concord the season before last and won the Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Year Awards.
“I actually watched a few of his games because it was the season before I started playing for the first-team, and he’s someone I can definitely look up to and take some inspiration from as I start the next chapter of my development here at West Ham United.”
Commenting on Brooks' arrival, West Ham United Academy Manager Kenny Brown said: “We have watched Connor numerous times, and we are delighted to have signed him.
“He's a high-energy midfield player, who can manipulate the ball, tackle and can score goals, so he's got all the attributes to succeed with us, and he adds to what we've already got in the group.
“He came in on trial and impressed everyone with his application and his attitude, and the intensity of the sessions rose with him being in there.
“We're excited about it because it’s a different route of recruitment for us, and it isn’t something we tend to do, but it just shows if you're good enough, someone's going to notice you, and Connor's done that with us and fully deserves to sign a professional contract with West Ham United.
“I was really shocked to find out he was just 16 years old when we first started watching him, but we've all seen the benefit of young players playing in men's football, with the likes of Callum [Marshall], Patrick [Kelly] and Josh [Briggs] also playing men's football at a young age.
“I think this is another really good example of a boy who hasn't been in an academy, loves his football and goes and plays at the highest level he can. He was playing week in, week out for Concord up against men and flourished in that environment.
“There's loads of potential with Connor, and we're all excited to work with him. He’s now a professional footballer at West Ham United, and I know that won't be lost on him, and he'll give everything to fulfil his potential.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Connor to the Club and wish him a successful future in Claret and Blue.