Tuesday night will live long in the memory of West Ham United's U18s, who made history by becoming the first group at the Club to lift the Premier League Cup.
And for Hammers fan Airidas Golambeckis, the occasion and achievement held extra significance.
The young centre-back, born and raised in East Ham, just a stone’s throw from the old Boleyn Ground, has been part of the Academy of Football since his pre-Academy days.
Having risen through every age group since officially joining at U8s, it was a fitting moment as he helped the young Hammers make history by lifting the coveted trophy at Select Car Leasing Stadium, following a 2-1 win over Reading.
Reflecting on the success, Golambeckis said: “It's a very proud moment. I've been here since pre-Academy, U8s. I never thought when I was eight years old I would win a Premier League Cup final with West Ham, but here I am."
It had been well over a month since the young Hammers booked their place in the final with a 3-1 victory away at Derby County. The long wait only sharpened their focus, with set-piece routines practiced in training quickly paying off as they took the lead on 17 minutes.
Golambeckis continued: "We scored our first goal from a set-piece, which we practiced a lot before this game. I thought we started really well as well. We were unlucky to concede their equaliser, but back in at half-time, I think we were positive.
"I think we were playing well, we were locking in, but just the way everyone stayed confident, persevered, no matter if the crowd was on our side or not. Then, Josh Ajala scored that crucial goal, which was important for our team and we ended up winning the game."
It has been a season of many milestones for Golambeckis. After beginning his two-year scholarship last summer, he signed his first professional contract days after turning 17 in November, made his debut for England U18s, having previously represented Lithuania U16s, and has become a regular for Mark Robson’s U21s side.
Even so, he admitted he could hardly have predicted how quickly things would progress for him this term.
"To be honest, I didn’t expect the season to go how it did," he said. "I thought it was just going to be a steady road for me, but there have been lots of ups and downs.
"But I think it's been one of the best times of my life, signing a pro contract, playing with the U21s, and then winning this with the U18s. It's been amazing."
"It was a relief when I heard that whistle," Golambeckis added. "I asked the referee just before how long was left, and he said, that's it. And I said to everyone, ‘this is it, we just won!’.
"I heard that whistle go and I was thinking, 'yeah, amazing'. We celebrated very, very good after the game. A lot of water splashing around as well!”
For Golambeckis and his teammates, the focus now quickly shifts back to U21s duty. This weekend, the 17-year-old will step back up to help the development side in their Premier League 2 play-off campaign, with hopefully plenty more memories yet to be made.
