Rebekah Dowsett Signs Pro Deal with West Ham Until 2029

Key Points

• West Ham United announced that goalkeeper Rebekah Dowsett, aged 18, has signed her first professional contract with the club.
• Dowsett joined the Professional Game Academy (PGA) in the summer of 2025 and has now committed to West Ham until June 2029.
• She returned from an Academy Development Registration deal at Watford, where she made ten appearances across all competitions during her second spell at the club.
• Prior to West Ham, Dowsett played for Leicester City before joining the Hammers in July 2025.
• Dowsett is an England U17 international, having represented the Young Lionesses at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup and helped the team finish second at the 2024 UEFA Women’s U17 Championship.
• Dowsett expressed delight at signing her first professional deal, noting her humble beginnings playing football with boys in the school playground and the special presence of her family.
• West Ham Head Coach Rita Guarino voiced her happiness over Dowsett’s contract extension, highlighting the value of her loan experience at Watford for senior-level development and anticipating further progress.

East London (East London Times) January 14, 2026 – West Ham United have announced that their promising 18-year-old goalkeeper Rebekah Dowsett has penned her first professional contract, marking a significant milestone in her young career. The shot-stopper, who joined the club’s Professional Game Academy (PGA) in the summer of 2025, has returned from a successful loan spell at Watford under an Academy Development Registration deal and committed her future to the Hammers until June 2029. This deal underscores West Ham’s investment in homegrown talent amid a competitive women’s football landscape.

Who is Rebekah Dowsett and What Has She Achieved So Far?

Rebekah Dowsett emerges as one of the brightest prospects in English women’s youth football. The 18-year-old goalkeeper first caught attention with her performances at Leicester City before transferring to West Ham in July 2025. Her move to the Hammers represented a step up, aligning her with a Premier League club keen on nurturing academy products.

During her time on loan at Watford, Dowsett featured in ten appearances across all competitions in her second spell with the Hornets. This experience proved invaluable, exposing her to senior football demands. As an England U17 international, Dowsett’s international pedigree shines through her participation in major tournaments. She represented England at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, showcasing her shot-stopping abilities on a global stage. Additionally, she contributed to the Young Lionesses securing second place at the 2024 UEFA Women’s U17 Championship, a feat that highlighted her composure under pressure.

West Ham’s announcement emphasises Dowsett’s rapid progression since joining the PGA. Her journey from grassroots football to professional ranks reflects the growing opportunities in women’s football in England.

Why Did Rebekah Dowsett Choose to Sign with West Ham Until 2029?

Dowsett’s decision to ink a deal until June 2029 signals long-term faith in West Ham’s vision for her development. The club provides a platform combining academy polish with potential first-team exposure, crucial for a young goalkeeper. Returning from Watford, where she gained senior minutes, positions her ideally for integration into the Hammers’ setup.

In her personal statement, Dowsett conveyed profound pride in this achievement.

“I started playing football with the boys in the playground at school so to be signing my first professional deal at the age of 18, and especially at this Club, is a really proud moment,”

she said. She further noted, “To have my family here with me today makes it extra special too.” These words, shared directly in West Ham United’s official announcement, capture the emotional weight of her milestone.

The contract’s length—running until 2029—offers stability, allowing Dowsett to focus on consistent improvement without the uncertainty of short-term deals. West Ham’s structure, including the PGA, supports this trajectory, blending youth development with professional pathways.

How Has Dowsett’s Loan at Watford Shaped Her Career?

Dowsett’s loan at Watford under an Academy Development Registration deal marked a pivotal chapter. Making ten appearances across all competitions during her second spell at the club, she encountered real-match intensity beyond academy confines. This exposure to senior football honed her skills, building resilience and match sharpness essential for higher levels.

As reported in the official West Ham statement, this period provided “valuable senior experience which is crucial for her development.” Her performances there likely influenced the decision to recall her and formalise her professional status. Prior to Watford’s second stint, Dowsett’s time at Leicester City laid foundational experience, but the Hornets’ loan accelerated her growth.

Head Coach Rita Guarino praised this phase explicitly. “Rebekah’s time out on loan with Watford in the first half of this season has provided her with valuable senior experience,” Guarino stated in the club’s release. This endorsement from a seasoned coach like Guarino, who has guided West Ham through competitive campaigns, carries weight in validating Dowsett’s readiness.

What Does West Ham Head Coach Rita Guarino Say About Dowsett’s Future?

Rita Guarino, West Ham’s Head Coach, expressed unreserved enthusiasm for Dowsett’s commitment. “I’m delighted that Rebekah has signed her first professional contract with the Club,” she remarked. Guarino continued,

“She is clearly making great progress and I’m looking forward to seeing her continue to improve moving forwards.”

These comments, drawn verbatim from West Ham United’s announcement, reflect Guarino’s belief in Dowsett’s potential. The coach’s focus on ongoing development aligns with the club’s philosophy of gradual integration for academy talents. Guarino’s track record in player nurturing adds credibility to her optimism, positioning Dowsett as a key figure in West Ham’s goalkeeping roster.

Guarino’s statements also contextualise the loan’s benefits, tying them to future contributions. Her forward-looking tone suggests training ground opportunities and possible matchday involvement ahead.

What is Rebekah Dowsett’s International Pedigree?

Dowsett’s international credentials elevate her profile beyond club level. As an England U17 international, she donned the Three Lions’ colours at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, competing against the world’s best young talents. Her involvement in this prestigious event underscored her technical prowess and mental fortitude.

England’s runners-up finish at the 2024 UEFA Women’s U17 Championship further burnished her CV. Dowsett played a role in the Young Lionesses’ campaign, helping secure silver medals in a highly competitive tournament. These achievements, detailed in West Ham’s official coverage, demonstrate her capability on elite youth stages.

Such exposure prepares her for senior international aspirations, potentially fast-tracking her into higher England squads as she matures.

How Does This Signing Fit into West Ham’s Women’s Academy Strategy?

West Ham’s move to secure Dowsett until 2029 exemplifies their commitment to the Professional Game Academy (PGA). Since her summer 2025 arrival, the club has prioritised her pathway from youth to professional ranks. This contract follows her Watford loan, blending external experience with internal growth.

The PGA framework enables talents like Dowsett to train alongside seniors while gaining competitive minutes elsewhere. Her ten Watford outings exemplify this model’s success. West Ham’s strategy mirrors broader trends in women’s football, where clubs invest in sustainable talent pipelines amid rising professionalism.

Guarino’s comments reinforce this approach, emphasising progress through structured loans. Dowsett’s deal signals West Ham’s intent to build a robust squad depth, particularly in goal.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Dowsett at West Ham?

Transitioning to full professionalism presents hurdles for Dowsett. At 18, she must adapt to intensified training, recovery demands, and competition for places. West Ham’s first-team goalkeeping spots will test her against established keepers.

Yet, her loan experience equips her well. Guarino noted her “great progress,” suggesting a tailored development plan. Balancing academy duties with professional expectations requires discipline, but Dowsett’s playground origins to World Cup participant arc shows resilience.

Family support, highlighted in her statement, provides emotional grounding amid pressures.

Why is This a Proud Moment for Women’s Football in England?

Dowsett’s signing symbolises the maturation of English women’s youth pathways. From school playgrounds to professional contracts at 18, her story inspires aspiring players. England’s U17 successes in 2024 tournaments amplify this narrative, showcasing a fertile talent pool.

West Ham’s role in formalising her deal contributes to the Women’s Super League’s growth. Guarino’s endorsement and the PGA’s structure foster environments where prospects thrive. Dowsett’s journey—from Leicester to Watford loans, international caps, and now Hammers professionalism—embodies progress.