West Ham academy player Oscar Fairs dies aged just 15 after battle with cancer

West Ham have confirmed that 15-year-old Oscar, who played for their U15s side in goal, has sadly passed away following a battle with cancer. The club's sporting director, Mark Noble, has issued a touching statement, passing on the condolences of the club to the boy's family.

Noble's statement confirmed that all of the Hammers' academy fixtures scheduled for this weekend have been postponed as a mark of respect. He has also promised to ensure that Fairs' "name is never forgotten at West Ham United".

Noble's statement read: "On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep and profound sadness that I confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer.

"Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy - not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden - Lenny and his teammates all loved him. He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age.

"As a mark of respect, all scheduled Academy fixtures this weekend have been postponed, including this evening’s PL2 Under-21 match against Stoke City. In due course, the Club will also share information on our plans to pay tribute to Oscar, and we will ensure that his name is never forgotten at West Ham United.

"The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.

"Rest in peace, brave Oscar."

West Ham's senior team will play this weekend. They face Bournemouth on Monday evening.