Josh Ocaya has signed his first professional contract with Hull City, the club confirmed on its academy Instagram account. The English midfielder, of Ugandan descent, currently features for Hull City’s U18 team.
The 18-year-old midfielder described the deal as a “childhood dream come true” in an interview, emphasising the hard work and support that brought him to this milestone.
“I’m grateful to Hull City for believing in me and trusting my work ethic,” Ocaya said. “The coaches and teammates have pushed me to improve every day, which has allowed me to progress faster than I ever imagined.”
He also stressed that the contract marks the beginning of his professional journey, rather than an endpoint.
“This contract doesn’t change my hunger for success. I see it as a starting point, not an end in itself. I want to keep learning,” he added.
Ocaya’s promotion to a professional deal comes after impressive performances for the club’s U18 squad, where he has consistently demonstrated technical ability and maturity beyond his years.
Hull City’s academy has a strong track record of nurturing young talent, and the club hopes Ocaya will follow in the footsteps of previous academy graduates to make an impact in senior football.
The midfielder’s dual heritage also positions him as a potential option for Uganda’s national team in the future, though Ocaya has so far focused on developing his club career.
Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how he adapts to the challenges of professional football.
Hull City’s announcement reflects the club’s commitment to integrating academy prospects into the first-team pathway, offering opportunities for youth players to transition to senior football.
