Born and raised in Dagenham, midfielder Tyron Akpata has worn the captain’s armband at almost every stage of his West Ham United journey since joining the Academy at U15s. Now in his second year as a professional, Akpata is continuing to lead by example, most recently as captain of the U21s during pre-season.
Here, he takes us through six pictures that tell the story of his budding footballing career so far.
This is his West Ham story…
Dagenham United, My first grassroots club - 5 years old
"This is where it all began for me. I was five years old, playing seven-a-side for Dagenham United just ten minutes from home. My mum and dad took me to every game. We used to lose all the time, and I’d get so upset. I was so emotionally invested that my mum actually considered pulling me out of football for a bit because my mood would swing so much after games!
"It was chaos at that age - no real positions, just everyone running after the ball. But that was the start of everything."
My first trophy at a half-term camp - 5 years old
"This one means a lot because it was the first time I’d ever won something in football. I’d gotten so used to losing that this felt huge! It was a local football-themed half-term camp, and I can still remember the buzz of being called up to collect the trophy. I’ve still got it at home. That little win stuck with me and probably sparked the competitive side of me even more."
First time captaining West Ham (U16s) - 15 years old
"I joined West Ham after a trial period and, at the start, I only really knew Favour [Fawunmi] because we were local mates. Settling in was a bit nerve-wracking, but I played with confidence, showed what I was about, and gradually felt more comfortable in the group.
"Captaining the side for the first time at U16 level was a special moment. I was a bit shy then, but having Lauris [Coggin, current U18s lead coach] as coach really helped. He believed in me and gave me the freedom to express myself. Wearing the armband gave me a sense of purpose - when the team’s looking to you for leadership, you have to step up."
Parading the FA Youth Cup and U18 PL South title - 16 years old
"The 2022/23 season couldn’t have gone any better. Topping it off by walking the trophies around London Stadium in front of the fans was such a proud moment. Everyone in the squad played their part - some featured more, some less, but we all knew our roles and backed each other.
"We started the league with 12 straight wins, and it really felt like no-one could stop us. That FA Youth Cup run was unbelievable, and to share it with such a tight group, players and staff, made it even more special. The connection we had made it easy to enjoy our football and play with freedom."
Captaining the U18s as defending champions in the FA Youth Cup - 17 years old
"This was a big one. We were defending champions, playing at Rush Green under the lights against a top Southampton side with players like Tyler Dibling and Sam Amo-Ameyaw. It had everything: a real cup tie atmosphere, extra time, penalties.
"When Kev [Keen] told me in the meeting before the game that I was captain, it felt so special. It comes with expectations and added pressure, but it was good pressure. It meant the staff trusted me to perform and lead, and I wanted to repay that faith. Thankfully, we came through with a win. The whole team stepped up, whether they started or came off the bench. That togetherness carried us through."
Leading the U21s in pre-season - 18 years old
"Captaining the U21s in pre-season this year was really special. It’s a big responsibility and I’m grateful to Robbo (Mark Robson) for trusting me. I feel like I’m in a good place to help bring the group together - I know a lot of the younger lads from my time in the U16s and U18s, and I’ve been where they are now.
"As a first-year pro, you can’t expect to be handed anything. You have to earn it. Last season, I was grateful for the opportunities I got, and once I found my rhythm, things started to click. That gave me confidence to push on. Now I want to keep building, as a player, as a leader, and as someone who can help drive this team forward."
