West Ham United Academy teammates Ollie Scarles and Lewis Orford were presented with their Premier League debut balls at Rush Green training ground last week, marking a proud milestone after both made their top-flight bows during the 2024/25 season.
Having begun the campaign in the development Premier League 2 with the U21s, the Academy pair earned deserved transitions into the first-team set-up during November and December.
Two years after making his senior bow during West Ham United’s UEFA Europa Conference League-winning campaign in a 3-0 win at FCSB in November 2022, Scarles made his Premier League debut in a 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth on 16 December 2024, replacing Mohammed Kudus for the final 15 minutes and producing a composed cameo performance.
Scarles went on to make 15 senior appearances in 2024/25, including a full Premier League debut in a 1-0 victory at Arsenal, and was later named Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year.
"Since my debut back in Bucharest, it's been a long time coming," Scarles reflected, after the Bournemouth clash. "I had a bit of a setback with an injury at the end of last season, so this year’s been about working hard, getting back to where I was, and taking my opportunities."
After scooping the Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year award earlier this month, he said: "It’s been a good season, my breakthrough season, and I’ve enjoyed every moment. This Club means so much to me and I just want to thank the Club and all the staff and coaches who’ve helped me become the Premier League player I am today.
"You don’t really expect the opportunity to come. You hope it will, but to actually get it at 19 is an amazing achievement. I’m really proud, and it’s been an incredible six months for me and my family."
Scarles’ 2023 FA Youth Cup-winning teammate, Orford, was on the bench for that game at Bournemouth and made his own Premier League debut shortly after, coming on for Emerson with over half-an-hour to play in a home fixture against Crystal Palace at London Stadium on 18 January.
The 19-year-old midfielder also featured in the final stages of a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in early February, before returning to the U21s for the season run-in following the return of several senior players from injury.
Orford ended the campaign in sensational form, registering nine goal contributions in his final seven Premier League 2 matches. He was named Premier League 2 Player of the Month for April, and was later nominated for Player of the Season, finishing with the most assists in the 26-team division (seven).
A special moment for Lewis Orford ✨ pic.twitter.com/InYIIp48bz
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 19, 2025
Reflecting on his debut, Orford said: “It was so surreal. I was kind of nervous, but as soon as I got on the pitch, it just felt normal really, in front of the home fans. It was just a big moment for me and my family, and they're very proud of what happened that day. My whole family was there that day, and they are all West Ham fans.
“Being a boyhood West Ham fan just made it that bit more special because I've been coming here since the age of five, and I’ve been to all the games since I was a kid, from the Boleyn Ground to London Stadium.
“I feel like everything that’s happened has just been meant to be, really. I don't really know anything else apart from West Ham United. I left Chadwell Heath two years ago to move over here to Rush Green, and it's always nice to go back and see everyone who has helped me develop into the player I am.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to congratulate both Ollie and Lewis on making their Premier League debuts and looks forward to their exciting futures in Claret and Blue!
