Local-born Lewis Beckford has been with the Academy since Under-9s, signing Scholarship terms ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. He is a gifted, left-footed midfielder, who displays superb close control, great balance and high technical ability.

After a handful of substitute appearances, Beckford made his full debut for the U18s in a 2-2 Premier League south draw at home to Fulham in March 2025. He featured on the bench in the U18 Premier League Cup final win over Reading.

His second year as a scholar saw him feature more prominently, making 29 appearances in all competitions scoring five goals and registering eight assists.

Playing every minute in an eight-game stretch between October and January which saw our young Hammers pick up league 21 points - more than all of the other 28 teams in the north and south divisions - Beckford also scooped the West Ham United Goal of the Month award for his inventive strike in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup at Goodison Park in January.

A month later, Beckford made his U21s debut in a 1-0 win over RSC Anderlecht in the Premier League International Cup and capped a standout season with the U18s by signing his first professional contract in May 2026.

Honours

Club Honours

U18 Premier League Cup (2024/25)