Hammers surprise Soccer School youngsters

Matt Jarvis and Pedro Obiang visited the Club's Beckton Foundation facility
West Ham United’s 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. 

The midfielders were quizzed on a variety of different topics, from eating habits and pre-match preparation routines to the hardest opponents faced. 

New signing Obiang named Italian giants Juventus as the toughest side he’s come up against while Jarvis settled on Manchester United and Chelsea.  
Speaking after the event, Jarvis, the Club’s Foundation patron 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.”

Academy Integration Officer Michael Ward, echoed the 29-year-old’s sentiments by saying: “It’s fantastic to see First Team players giving up their time to come engage with kids from the local community. 

“To have guys like Matt Jarvis and Pedro Obiang come down and get involved with the skills sessions and offer advice to the participants is invaluable. The players are always keen to get down to our Soccer Schools and it’s something we are looking to push across all our venues going forward.”

To book a place on one of the Club’s Soccer Schools, click here