Fans flock to Open Training

Hundreds of avid Hammers fans flocked to the Boleyn Ground to watch an open training session
Hundreds of avid West Ham United fans flocked to the Boleyn Ground to watch an open training session as Slaven Bilic’s men prepare for their first home game of the season against Leicester City. 

The first team squad were put through a range of different drills, from football tennis to crossing drills and a seven-a-side match. 

On the back of the Hammers famous 2-0 win over Arsenal, the players and fans alike were in visibly high spirits. 

Earlier in the day, new signings Dimitri Payet and Angelo Ogbonna joined Diafra Sakho in the Official Stadium Store where they met dedicated Hammers fans, posed for pictures and signed autographs. 
Away from the Boleyn Ground, Foundation ambassador Matt Jarvis and Pedro Obiang surprised budding footballers of the future when they attended a Soccer School at the Club’s Foundation base at Beckton. 

After putting the youngsters through their paces with a few drills, the pair were held to account during a gruelling question and answer session. 

Speaking after the event, Jarvis said: “I went on quite a few soccer schools as a kid. They’re very helpful when you’re growing up and developing your skills. 

“As professional footballers you’re role models to kids so it’s nice to come to these events, spend some time with them and hopefully it inspires them to keep working hard, enjoy their football and exercise regularly.”
Meanwhile Adrian and Diego Poyet visited the New Reservation Centre at Westfield Stratford City where they were shown images of the Club’s fantastic new Stadium.

As if that was not enough, several players relived their favourite goals scored at the Boleyn, while former Hammer Alvin Martin returned to recreate the game he scored three penalties against three different goalkeepers, this time against Adrian, Darren Randolph and Raphael Spiegel.  

All in all, a busy day! Make sure you tune in to www.whufc.com and follow @whufc_official to see the best of the day’s action.