Jamal Baptiste signed his first professional contract for West Ham on his 17th birthday on November 11. The young defender signed a two-and-a-half-year deal for West Ham after an impressive start, progressing from the U18 to the U23 teams at just 16.
Baptiste became the second youngest player to feature in the U23s last season, playing in nine fixtures over the course of their fantastic season.
He also played a full 90-minutes for the senior side in August this year, in a pre-season game against Wycombe Wanderers where the Hammers were the 5-1 victors.
A Dream Come True
The 17-year-old was certainly delighted to sign the contract, he spoke with purpose in an interview with West Ham after putting pen to paper:
“I’m over the moon. I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time, and the day has come”.
As he has been playing for the club since he was eight years old, he has always liked to draw inspiration from Declan Rice, as he explained:
“He’s always told me just to enjoy it and to always work hard and remember why you’re there. He was in my shoes around this time in his career and look where he is now”.
Determination
Another big reason why he has made it is through is his hard work and determination:
“When I was younger, I wasn’t one of the best players in my eyes, but then I started working harder. I got an opportunity and I feel like I took it, and ever since U15s I’ve been with the U18s, which brings pressure, but I think I’ve dealt with it well”.
Academy Manager Ricky Martin was delighted with the news and thanked everyone for playing their part to help Jamal become the player that he is and get to this stage in his development.
Martin added, “He’s met the manager and he has put that message across to Jamal and his family. It’s very much one step on the ladder, but he’s got many more steps to take”.
An Amazing Support Group
Baptiste is extremely thankful for everyone at the academy, his coaches, family and friends who helped him progress to this stage of his career. He further expressed his appreciation by stating:
“Ricky has helped me a lot, pushing me on with the first team. In terms of coaches, individually, Dmitri (Halajko) and Steve (Potts) have helped me. A big one was Kevin (Keen); I’ve learned a lot from him while he’s been at the Academy. The work my family has put in has been really hard as well; the driving they’ve done all around the country, travelling with me, without me, and just supporting me all the way.”
“I’d like to thank my friends who have supported me, my family, and my psychologist at the club, Lori, who has helped me a lot.”
He then further expressed his gratitude by mentioning finally: “West Ham is all I know. It’s all I want, to be fair. I’m just over the moon. You couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Moving Forward
While COVID-19 restrictions have made things more difficult for athletes, Jamal clearly has his eyes set on his future. By showing the same drive and determination that he has so far in his young career, it is only a matter of time before he pulls on the senior strip once again, giving him a chance to fight for his place amongst the first team.
