By Daniel Noble
NEWTOWNARDS footballer Zak Magowan has secured a dream move to EFL Championship side West Ham United.
The 16-year-old has seen his performances with Glentoran rewarded with a one-year scholarship, joining as a second-year scholar, and a two-year professional contract.
His move to the East London club, a giant in the English game, follows a remarkable season with the Glens, with the left-winger making 26 appearances for the reserve team which won the U-20 Premiership Development League and netting 20 goals for the U-18s.
If that was not enough, he has also earned seven caps for Northern Ireland U-17s, featuring in the European Championship qualifiers.
Initially attending the West Ham Development Centre, Zak was recommended for a trial with his new club, and he further caught the eye of their Northern Ireland-based scout, who he impressed with his performances for County Down at last year’s Super Cup NI.
Fellow Championship club Queen’s Park Rangers also indicated interest in his signature, but once West Ham submitted their offer last September, there was no looking back.
While the former Londonderry Primary School pupil has come a long way since his humble beginnings with local side Ards Rangers, where he received his first taste of football at the age of four, it has not happened without dedication to the sport.
Natural talent is a necessity when it comes to football, but hard work and honing one’s craft is just as important, and Zak’s dad, Richard Magowan, has explained how he has done just that.
“I’m very proud. It’s a massive achievement for him and he’s worked hard, never missed training and probably had to sacrifice a normal teenage life for football, but that is what’s got him a move across the water,” he said.
“He’s been training and playing two games a week for the Glens, across various age groups, while going to the West Ham Centre on Sundays and training with Northern Ireland more or less full-time.”
Zak has now officially joined the Hammers and, amongst all the well-wishers, the Glentoran Academy paid tribute to the talent they have nurtured over the years.
A social media statement read: “Everyone at Glentoran Academy would like to congratulate Zak Magowan on signing for West Ham United.
“Zak joined Glentoran at the age of 14 and has enjoyed an outstanding journey through our academy. Beginning with our Under-15s, he quickly progressed into the Under-16s, before earning a promotion to the Under-18s after just six months.
“From there, he continued his development with both out Under-18s and Under-20s, consistently demonstrating the attitude, commitment and quality needed to reach the next level.”
The statement continued: “Signing for West Ham is a fantastic achievement and a reward for years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
“Everyone at Glentoran is incredibly proud of what Zak has accomplished, and we have no doubt he has a bright future ahead.”
The South Belfast Youth Football League also shared its congratulations, saying: “Everyone at the SBYFL would like to congratulate Zak Magowan on signing for West Ham United. A fantastic achievement and a well deserved reward for years of hard work and dedication
“We are incredibly proud to have played a small part in his development, both on and off the pitch, and we look forward to watching his continued progress.
“Everyone at the league wishes you every success at West Ham United. Your journey is a great inspiration to our current players and to the next generation coming through our programme.”
