For West Ham United Academy prospects like Kaelan Casey, pre-season offers a valuable chance to gain priceless experience.
The 18-year-old centre-back was one of 14 Academy of Football players to get minutes under their belts during Saturday’s pre-season match at Dagenham & Redbridge, as they lined up alongside eight full internationals with preparations for the new campaign in full swing.
The later return to action this summer of those experienced players who featured for their countries during June’s international window has given an opportunity for the likes of Casey to train with and partner them for the first team.
Casey came on for Vladimír Coufal at half-time in Saturday’s 2-2 draw and was delighted to play his part.
“It was a good week coming into this game and training was sharp,” Casey explained. “Unfortunately we didn’t get the result today, but it’s pre-season and we’ll work with it.
“Training with Nayef and Thilo was great – they help you through it, always talking to you and telling you how to improve.
“The performance is something to work on and that’s what we’ll do throughout pre-season."
Casey comes into this campaign having shone during the 2022/23 season, featuring 16 times for the Under-21s and on 18 occasions for the Under-18s as the Hammers landed an FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League double.
Now he wants to take this experience and use it to his advantage for the challenge ahead in Premier League 2.
“It was an excellent season for us and the team,” he added. “We dug deep every game and coming out as double champions was a good feeling for everyone.
“I loved every minute of the FA Youth Cup final at Emirates Stadium, especially the 7, 8,000 fans who came to support us. It was amazing and they helped us get the win that day.
“I’ve just got to keep working hard this year, try to get results as well and have a good season with the Under-21s to try and push on to the first team.”
