When West Ham United U18s walk out at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Tuesday evening, it will mark an important moment in what has been a season of real growth and development for Lauris Coggin’s young group of Hammers.
In his first full season as lead coach of the U18s, Coggin has overseen a group that has grown individually and collectively. Five scholars have already made the step into the U21s set-up, a sign of a season shaped as much by development as by results.
But Coggin, who has coached at the Academy since 2016 across a range of age groups, is keen to frame Tuesday’s Premier League Cup final against Reading as one chapter in a much wider story.
"The development that we've seen this season, with multiple players gaining experience with the U21s, is much bigger than the cup final itself," Coggin reflected. "It represents a journey, a fantastic end point to the season, but the main thing is the hard work the players and staff have put in over a number of years to get to this point."
The young Hammers’ route to the final has seen them overcome a series of challenges that tested not only their ability, but their resilience and togetherness. After topping a group featuring Everton, Nottingham Forest and Premier League South leaders Southampton, West Ham edged past defending champions Manchester United on penalties before beating Derby County in the last four.
Throughout the competition, the U18s have leaned on different groups of players, with the squad adapting and stepping up at key moments, something Coggin believes will stand them in good stead.
"The journey getting to the final has been incredible," he said. "We've played with different groups of players against teams from the northern section as well, which has given everyone valuable experiences. Overcoming those different obstacles, adapting along the way, has been fantastic for the players’ learning."
While the team’s performances have naturally built belief, Coggin insists the focus remains on maintaining standards, rather than being distracted by the occasion.
"If we play to the level we know we can, we’re confident," he continued. "We showed that against Derby and Manchester United, where the boys demonstrated real togetherness and unity, working for each other and the Academy. I’ve got no doubt we’ll produce a strong performance in the final."
Earlier in the season, the U18s were reminded how fine margins can be on big occasions as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Grimsby Town in the FA Youth Cup third round - a night Coggin believes has been an important part of the group’s development and one which can serve them well in the final.
"Those experiences have only made them stronger," Coggin explained. "You can see the character and personality they've developed. Producing performances consistently is part of that, and I'm sure they'll carry that into the final."
Only the West Lower Stand of the Select Car Leasing Stadium will be open to supporters for Tuesday's U18s Premier League Cup final. Tickets are available via Reading's official website , with advance tickets available until 3pm on the day of the game.
A live stream of the final will also be available across the Club’s website and app, followed by highlights and reaction from coach Coggin and his players. Stay tuned to our web, app and social channels for all the build-up to the big game!