For Jack Collison, pulling on a West Ham United shirt for the first time was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
The Bedfordshire-raised midfielder had started his career with Peterborough United at the age of nine after being spotted playing for his local junior club, Shefford Saints, in 1998.
Collison moved on again in 2000, joining Cambridge United, only for the U’s’ Academy to close through lack of funding in 2005.
Approaching his 17th birthday and without a club, the youngster was handed a trial by then-West Ham Academy Director Tony Carr and impressed sufficiently to earn a scholarship.
Such was the speed of Collison’s development that he quickly established himself in the reserves, being appointed captain for the 2007/08 season at the age of 18.
As soon as you get the shirt on and get out on the pitch, you really feel part of the Club and part of the first team
Jack Collison
Meanwhile, first-team manager Alan Curbishley, also an Academy of Football graduate and midfielder, was also keeping tabs on the talented teenager.
On New Year’s Day 2008, Curbishley named Collison in his Premier League squad for the first time for a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal.
When former Gunner Freddie Ljungberg was injured ten minutes before half-time, it was the rookie who was summoned to go on in his place, creating a moment that Collison will never forget.
“The first time you put the shirt on is a very special moment, as it is for every young player who is making their Premier League debut,” recalled the Hammers’ lead U14/U16 coach, who modelled the 2018/19 Home and Away kits as part of the Club’s #ImForever campaign.
“It was actually the Away shirt, but I can remember going out to warm-up at Arsenal and I could see the Claret and Blue everywhere. It was fantastic.
“To finally get the call that you’re going on the pitch for your Premier League debut against one of the best teams in the country was a really special moment.
“As soon as you get the shirt on and get out on the pitch, you really feel part of the Club and part of the first team.”
Having made his debut, Collison went on to make 121 appearances for West Ham and develop a real bond with the supporters. The feeling, he says, is and always will be mutual.
“There is no better feeling than going into the changing room and seeing the shirt with your name and number on hanging up, especially for the first time.
“I remember walking in and seeing the number 39, then the 31 and then the last number I wore at West Ham was the number ten, so walking in and seeing your name and number really makes you feel special.
“I remember being on the team bus and seeing a little kid in a ‘COLLISON, 31’ in the famous Claret and Blue kit and it was an incredible sight. Especially as it was on the way to the game and it makes you want to work even harder and try even harder for the team.”