Born and raised in Dagenham, midfielder Tyron Akpata has worn the captain’s armband at almost every stage of his West Ham United journey since joining the Academy at U15s. Now in his second year as a professional, Akpata is continuing to lead by example, most recently as captain of the U21s during pre-season.
Here, he takes us through six pictures that tell the story of his budding footballing career so far.
This is his West Ham story…
Dagenham United, My first grassroots club - 5 years old
"This is where it all began for me. I was five years old, playing seven-a-side for Dagenham United just ten minutes from home. My mum and dad took me to every game. We used to lose all the time, and I’d get so upset. I was so emotionally invested that my mum actually considered pulling me out of football for a bit because my mood would swing so much after games!
"It was chaos at that age - no real positions, just everyone running after the ball. But that was the start of everything."