Eddie Beach: Chelsea FC professional footballer

Milford on Sea born, Eddie Beach is a 19 year old goalkeeper who signed professional terms with Chelsea FC from Southampton FC in June 2022. 

The first team Eddie played for was Milford Youth FC and his career has impressively developed from there. He has also been capped at youth level by Wales.

Eddie has trained regularly with the Chelsea first-team goalkeepers this season and he has already been involved in seven first-team matchday squads. He has now been loaned temporarily to Chelmsford FC in the National League in order to gain matchday experience, hopefully, on his journey to the Premiership.

A really open and honest article has been published in 'football.london' where Eddie gives a frank interview on his journey from Sunday league football, both outfield as well as between the posts.

To read the full article in 'football.london', please click here.

To read Eddie's professional profile at Chelsea FC, please click here.

Milford on Sea has also has had some other famous professional footballers as village residents in the past:

David Peach: (born 21 January 1951) is a former professional footballer, who played at left back for Southampton FC. He was also in the FA Cup Final winning Southampton FC side in 1976.

Michael Keeping: Southampton FC and Fulham FC professional footballer in the 1920/30's. He went on to manage the giant Real Madrid from January 1948 to October 1950.

Fred Keeping: Father to Michael above, was not a footballer, but he did win an Olympic silver medal in the 12 hour cycling race. He also founded Fred Keeping & Sons, a business selling & servicing cars and bicycles. 

The building still exists, and still trades servicing cars in Milford on Sea village centre. Now known as 'The Garage', it harks back to the days when the big sign above Fred's door simply read 'Garage'.