In January this year, West Ham United Academy midfielder Gabriel Caliste made history by becoming the first Mauritian player to sign a professional contract for a Premier League club.
However, his pathway to professional football, as is the case for many of our aspiring young Hammers, was far from straightforward.
From trialling at West Ham with grassroots teammate and current U21s captain Airidas Golambeckis, to spending spells at Dagenham & Redbridge, Millwall and Billericay Town, Caliste’s journey eventually led him back to Chadwell Heath.
He signed on his 15th birthday and went on to become part of the young group of Irons who won the U18 Premier League Cup for the first time towards the end of 2024/25, a few months after signing full-time terms.
Now a senior Mauritius international, his debut shirt proudly hangs on the wall at Chadwell Heath training ground.
This is his West Ham story…
Playing grassroots with current Hammers teammate Airidas Golambeckis — 7 years old
“This must have been a local U8s tournament with East Ham Rovers. I used to play with Airidas [Golambeckis, current West Ham United U21s captain]. I remember running around, scoring. Airidas was actually a striker in those days. I’d play behind him in midfield and assist all his goals. I’d get best player and he’d get top goalscorer! That probably explains his goalscoring form from centre-back last season for the U18s!
“Our coaches worked part-time for West Ham, maybe in a Foundation-type capacity. They got me and Airidas into the pre-Academy. Airidas was kept on, and I ended up at Dagenham.”