Bio

Weymouth-born Reece entered Albion's academy system as a result of his performances in the south of England. 

The Dorset-raised, attacking midfielder has family close to the Baggies' centre of operations - making the long journey from home to join the club in July 2025 an easier, smoother transition up to the Black Country.  

Prior to then, opportunities to develop Bastafield's love of the game began at Sunday League side Redlands Rebels FC (between U6-U11s). Hometown team Weymouth continued the midfielder's development during the proceeding two years, before Yeovil Town (U15-U16s) gave Reece the break he needed to push his football to new levels. 

A match against Weston-super-Mare saw scouts from the Baggies watch the youngster's performance, which was more than enough to earn a trial and, as a result, a two-year scholarship contract in the summer of 2025. 

As a first-year scholar, opportunities in the form of starts weren't always plentiful given the importance of the second years' progress in B71. Still, Reece managed to make his mark and show his capability higher up the pitch - netting twice within 17 minutes as a substitute against Reading in an U18 Premier League South match, as well as providing two assists from 13 league appearances under boss, Chay Thompson. 

Bastafield also made his U21s debut under Leigh Downing as a late substitute during the PL2 team's 2-1 away win against Exeter City - not too far from Reece's roots. 

But it's at The Hawthorns where the midfielder will be determined to make his mark ahead of a vital second term in his scholarship.