It was the last thing Ollie Scarles expected to happen.
Less than 24 hours after featuring for West Ham United U21s in a Papa Johns Trophy group stage defeat away to EFL League One side Milton Keynes Dons, the 16-year-old was travelling with the senior side for the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match away to R.S.C Anderlecht.
For all intents and purposes, Scarles thought training on that Wednesday would be like any other day. Until just after lunchtime.
“I didn’t have any idea I would be going on that trip until about two hours before the flight!” the teenager laughed. “All of us in the U21s were told the evening before that we needed to bring our passports with us to training, in case one or two of us were asked to go away with the first team. I obviously brought mine with me but I genuinely had no idea it could be me going.
“The flight was at about 4pm and, at around 2pm, I got taken aside by [U21s coach] Steve Potts and he told me I was going to be travelling with the first team. I was absolutely speechless. I couldn’t believe it.”
A first glimpse of Scarles for many supporters came through Declan Rice’s Instagram stories. The captain shared a photo of himself and Scarles on the flight; two Hammers Academy boys in the senior side.
“Declan is brilliant,” Scarles said. “As a player and a person off the pitch too, I’ve always looked up to him. He’s a role model to me so to be on the same plane and in the squad with him and the other first team players was just surreal. It was a dream come true.”
The decision to include the young, versatile midfielder in the squad captured the imaginations of West Ham fans, particularly when Scarles was named on the bench for the 1-0 win against the Belgian side.
While Scarles did not get on for his senior debut, the experience of being a first-team player for the very first time was not lost on him.
“The whole time I was there with them, I was just trying to take it all in. At times, I just could not believe I was there. It felt like I was watching some sort of documentary, where you watch what’s happening in a football first-team.
“I couldn’t believe I was there but everyone was so welcoming. All of the lads were decent with me. I tend to hang around with the younger lads in the squad. Conor Coventry, Ben Johnson and Flynn Downes really looked after me. Aaron Cresswell looked after me too. I was really thankful to him for that.
“All the players were so good with me and the fans were amazing as well. Warming up in front of the West Ham fans that evening was incredible. It was a great atmosphere and they made me feel right at home.”
Involvement in the European away tie was a just reward for Scarles, who has impressed coaches across the Academy of Football and the first team this season.
Beginning the campaign with Kevin Keen’s U18s, Scarles racked up three assists in the first three U18 Premier League matches of the campaign.
His fine form quickly saw the 16-year-old moved up to Mark Robson’s development team. A new level for the teenager to test himself at.
The versatile youngster has featured across the team for the U21s. Centre-midfield, left wing and even as a full-back in his eight outings so far.
“I didn’t think the move up would happen so quickly,” he admitted. “A lot of U18s have come into the U21s this season, but I knew I was doing well with the U18s and getting a few assists in a small amount of games.
“Of course, the goal is always to push up through the age groups and play up when you can. It did happen for me quite quickly though, but I’m pleased with myself and how I’ve done so far this season.
“It was a tough step up at first. The players are a lot more physical at this level and more developed. It’s taken a little getting used to but I think I’m coping with it. I’ve been getting more minutes and I’m enjoying my chances.”
Having been given just a small taste of the rewards that first-team football can offer, Scarles is naturally eager to earn even more opportunities in David Moyes’ side.
For now though, the Academy prospect is happy to continue developing, learning and improving – whether that’s in the U21s or the U18s.
“The goal now is to get even more first team chances. I want to keep working hard with the U21s group and get even more chances. Of course, there might be times I’m asked to be with the U18s again too and I’m happy to do that.
“I just want to play my game, show what I can do, and take my chances when they come.”
