The West Ham Academy has produced many of the past and present stars of English football, whether it is Rio Ferdinand defending from the back, or Frank Lampard striking from the middle of the park. So I caught up with hopefully one of the future stars of West Ham United, Alex Pike, who plays in the defence of the youth setup.
What made you want to get into football?
I started when I was young; I enjoyed it as a kid so my parents took me to a local club to start playing and just kept going from there.
What three things do you enjoy the most about being part of the Academy?
1) The first thing has to be playing football every day. It’s one of the things I love so to be able to do it every day is just a pleasure.
2) Secondly, I would say the atmosphere and being part of a team is brilliant. It’s best during the lead up to a big game where everyone pulls together, but it’s also good fun around the training ground throughout the year.
3) Finally, I would say the help and support you get from the staff would be hard to find anywhere else. They do everything they can to make you the best player you can be.
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
I would like to be playing Premier League football for the club. We work hard on the pitch and in the gym so that we can get to the top and reach the first team, so in 10 years’ that’s where I want to be.
Which footballers do you look up to for inspiration?
I play right back, however I am inspired by all players around the pitch, usually those that have worked the hardest. Two for me are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. They both worked so hard as youngsters to get to where they are and I want to follow in their footsteps. Someone I look up to in the first team would be Noble. He always works hard and is a good leader on the pitch and I think all young players at the club should look up to him.
What is/are your ultimate aim(s)?
My ultimate aim would be to play for my country. To represent them at first team level would be a dream come true!
We wish Alex the best of luck with his career, and hopefully he will follow in the footsteps of many legends of the game!
