Local young professional footballer, and former Milford Youth FC player, Eddie Beach has made another step on his journey to become a Premiership player.
Whilst Eddie did not play, being part of the Chelsea first team squad is another significant development in his hopefully long and successful career.
Unlike outfield players, who can come off the bench to potentially play in a few different positions, there is only one goalkeeper. So, unless chosen to start the match, opportunities to play only really occur when there is an injury or sending off.
Fingers crossed Eddie get his chance to start a match for Chelsea in the not too distant future, however at just 19 years of age, he still has plenty of time on his side.
To read Eddie's professional profile at Chelsea FC, please click here.
About Eddie Beach
Milford on Sea raised Eddie Beach was born on 9th October 2003, and he is a goalkeeper who signed professional terms with Chelsea FC from Southampton FC in June 2022.
He has also been capped at youth and under 21 level by Wales.
On joining Chelsea in 2022, Eddie trained regularly with the Chelsea first-team goalkeepers and was involved in seven first-team matchday squads.
In order to gain matchday experience, in January 2023 he was then loaned to Chelmsford City FC in the National League where he made 21 first team appearances. During his loan period, Eddie continued to train with the Chelsea senior team during the week.
On his return to Chelsea for the 2023-24 season, Eddie was rewarded with the No.50 squad number, and on Friday 25th August 2023 he was on the substitutes bench for the Premiership match against Luton Town.
A really open and honest article was published in 'football.london' in February 2023, where Eddie gives a frank interview on his journey from Sunday league football, both outfield, as well as between the posts.
Milford on Sea Famous Footballers
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'.
