Freddie Sears was not the only 18-year-old making their mark on Saturday as six of the club community scheme's teenage trainees attended the Blackburn Rovers game to further their education.
Malithi Sellapperuma, Jackie Alecho, Fabio Cabulo, Mohammed Barre, Lee Yates and Sarwar Hussain were all at the Boleyn Ground to take in the action of a thrilling encounter that saw debutant Sears hit a late winner for the home side. The trainees were allocated game related work assignments, both pitch side during the warm up and throughout the match itself.
They each completed observational tasks on aerobic/anaerobic warm-ups and game-related topics. During the match they focused on the balance of the West Ham United midfield and any tactical changes made to influence the game. In particular, they noted how the midfield acquitted itself admirably in a competitive contest and how the side as a whole was complemented by the introduction of Mark Noble and Sears.
Inspired by the exuberance of youth in the first team, the trainees will pass on their new found knowledge and enthusiasm to the young people they are responsible for. In this way the West Ham United tradition continues to motivate and educate young people in the communities served by the club. To find out more about the good work being done by the West Ham United community department, click here