The countdown is almost over, with West Ham United U18s finalising their preparations ahead of the biggest game of their budding careers so far, against Reading in the U18 Premier League Cup final at 7pm BST on Tuesday.
Ahead of the showpiece clash at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, a selection of our Young Hammers have shared their thoughts on what it means to them to represent the Club on such a special occasion, with - on the most part - players they have grown up playing alongside…
Airidas Golambeckis (CB)
It means a lot to represent West Ham in a final. I’ve been a supporter my whole life, so to win something that West Ham has never won before would be a dream.
We’re very excited for the chance to win something, especially with this group. We’re a family and we deserve to win something like this because of the hard work we put in.
Josh Ajala (ST)
It’s a top feeling to represent the Club in a big final which we all know we can win. This opportunity is something we have all worked towards for a very long time.
I’m very excited to play in this with my teammates. We're a such a close group together and we know we have what it takes to make some history for the Club.
Ezra Mayers (CB)
One of my goals at the start of the season was to win silverware with this team, and having the opportunity to do so now is the sum of everything we have worked for.
I'm thrilled to have the chance to achieve this alongside my teammates. We are close as a group and have grown significantly over the season, both as individuals and as footballers. This experience will definitely motivate us even further.
Preston Fearon (CM) (Captain)
We’ve been talking about going all the way in this competition since the start of the season. We already made history by making it to the final, but we want to go one better.
Winning against Manchester United gave us huge belief. Celebrating after the penalty shootout, there was a huge togetherness, you feel like family. Everyone's really excited now for the final. We can't wait to play the game.
Emeka Adiele (LWB)
It’s an incredible feeling to reach the final with this team and potentially win it all. We have all worked hard to get here, players and staff included.
I’m really excited to try and win some silverware with the lads. We have done really well so far in this tournament and we should be proud of our achievement no matter what happens. However, it would be an even better feeling for us to win the competition and celebrate the moment together alongside one another.
Josh Landers (ST)
It’s my first cup competition for West Ham and we’ve made it to the final! Hopefully I can get a goal and help us lift the trophy.
Ever since we beat Derby in the semi-finals, we've just been waiting for it to come about. We’re all really looking forward to it!
Riley Hargan (CM)
It’s a big achievement to reach the final in itself, but having played here since pre-Academy, and coming from a family that supports West Ham, it means that bit more.
We won the U15s Floodlit Cup as a group, so it would be great to achieve another bit of silverware with my closest mates.
Rayan Oyebade (CB)
We won the U15s Floodlit Cup together. I see these guys every day and we’ve built such close bonds.
Getting knocked out of the FA Youth Cup has given us extra hunger for this competition, our last together as a group of scholars. It's a massive game for us.
Only the West Lower Stand of the Select Car Leasing Stadium will be open to supporters for Tuesday's U18 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 Lauris Coggin and his players. Stay tuned to our web, app and social channels for all the build-up to the big game!