To support the wider development of its young players, West Ham United Academy held a half-term enrichment day during the Easter holidays, offering schoolboys from the U9s to U14s age-groups a unique opportunity to learn more about the Club they represent.
The group visited London Stadium, taking in the home of West Ham United’s first team while also diving into the Club’s rich history, from its working-class roots in the 19th century to its Boleyn Ground past and Olympic legacy rooted in east London.
Coordinated by Academy Player Care Manager Ian Lowe, the day was centred around learning what it truly means to wear Claret and Blue.
“There’s a number of West Ham supporters within the age groups,” Lowe explained. “We give opportunities for players to come and help as ball assistants at first-team matches, but this was something different, to actually spend time learning about where the Club played previously, the move to London Stadium, and hear from people who have lived that journey.”
One such voice was Paul Allen, a former Hammer who, aged just 17, became the youngest player to ever appear in an FA Cup final, when West Ham famously beat Arsenal in 1980. Now a Player Services Executive with the PFA, Allen shared his personal journey through the Academy ranks and highlighted the importance of seizing the opportunity in front of them.
“I can remember being their age,” Allen said. “Wanting to live that dream and become a professional footballer. I signed for West Ham at 14, became an apprentice at 16, and a professional at 17, where I played in the FA Cup final in my first year. It shows them that anything’s possible.
“We also talked about the PFA and how, once they become scholars, they’ll be members for life. From there, we can support them through education, contractual advice and life after football.”
Adding another layer of West Ham heritage to the visit was Lew Ozarow, of the Vintage Hammers supporters’ group, who spoke passionately about the Club’s identity and values.
“I took them through our history, where we came from, how we came to sing Bubbles, why we started wearing Claret and Blue. But more than that, I impressed on them that this is a golden opportunity. Every home game there’s 60,000 West Ham fans who would give anything to be in their boots. It’s about embracing that privilege and doing it justice.”
Lew also brought along memorabilia from the Club’s FA Cup and European triumphs, giving the schoolboys a connection to the history they will hope to one day become a part of.
“To have Lew here was so important," Lowe added. "He’s incredibly knowledgeable and seeing the boys listening so intently, really soaking it all in, was fantastic. The reaction from all the young guys was really positive, and I'm sure the day will stand them all in really good stead going forward.”
