The West Ham United Foundation has once again teamed up with Lyca Mobile to host the highly anticipated Lyca Mobile Cup, an event that brings together young footballers from across east London and Essex to compete, connect and thrive on and off the pitch.
This season’s tournament marked a decade of the Lyca Mobile Cup, continuing a tradition that began in the 2013/14 season. The event has grown into a cornerstone of the Foundation’s community engagement efforts, providing hundreds of young people with a chance to showcase their talents, develop confidence and build friendships through football.
Held over two action-packed days, the 2023/24 season competition featured regional qualifiers earlier in the year at venues including the iconic Little Heath - where our U18s play their home games - and aspiring players vied for a place in the grand finals held at Frenford Clubs.
The tournament brought together schools, community groups, and individuals of all backgrounds to celebrate the beautiful game and its ability to unite and inspire.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Najma Shariffu, project lead for Premier League Kicks and the Lyca Mobile Cup, said: "This is the second year of including two age groups in the female competition, which has brought a surge in schools and participants, creating equal opportunities for both genders.
"It’s inspiring to see more females competing, showcasing their football talents, building confidence, and enjoying the sport."
A Legacy of Inspiration
The Lyca Mobile Cup is about more than just football. It’s a platform for young people to aspire, grow, and achieve their potential. This year, Tayyab Hayat - known to many as TH - returned to the Foundation as a special guest to present awards to the winners. A former Premier League Kicks participant himself, TH is now a teacher and a role model for the next generation.
Speaking at the event, TH said: "It’s always an honour to come down and work with The Foundation. I came through Premier League Kicks, so I know all about the great work they do. Now, as a teacher, it feels amazing to present the Lyca Mobile Cup and see the next generation be inspired through the West Ham United Foundation, just like I was."
His story embodies the transformative impact of the Foundation’s work, showcasing how programmes like the Lyca Mobile Cup empower young people to achieve success both on and off the field.
Empowering the Next Generation
The tournament featured an impressive turnout, especially in the female competition, which has grown exponentially since its expansion to include multiple age groups. Over 100 girls participated this year, representing schools from across the region.
Grace Lane, coach of Great Baddow High School, spoke about the significance of this milestone:"We didn’t know how many schools would be here today. We were expecting one or two other schools, so to see over 100 girls show up is brilliant because this wouldn’t have been the case back when I was playing.
"I’m really happy to be here with the girls today. I hadn’t realised that I was actually the only female coach, so it means a lot to me that the girls have made it to the final."
The enthusiasm and talent on display were a testament to the power of inclusive sports programmes to inspire young athletes and create lasting memories.
Izzy who competed in the Under-12s tournament summed up the excitement of the day: "It’s been great to play against teams we don’t normally play against and meet new people. I hope we make it to the finals next year, so I get to experience this again."
Commitment to Community
The Lyca Mobile Cup is part of the longstanding partnership between Lyca Mobile, the world’s largest international mobile virtual network operator, and West Ham United. Together, they have supported youth development and community engagement through football, providing young people with opportunities to grow both personally and athletically.
James McQuillan, Lyca Mobile Country Manager for UK & Ireland, said: “The Lyca Mobile Cup embodies our commitment to empowering young people through football, fostering connections, and inspiring communities. For ten years, this tournament has celebrated talent, diversity and opportunity — a platform where dreams are nurtured, confidence is built, and future leaders are born. We’re proud to put our name to it.”
The collaboration reflects Lyca Mobile’s deep commitment to its east London roots and its mission to connect people to what matters most in their lives.
Looking Ahead
The Lyca Mobile Cup remains a celebration of football, community, and opportunity. As the tournament grows, it continues to inspire the next generation of players to dream big, work hard and achieve their goals, both on and off the pitch.
For young players, the tournament is more than just a competition. It’s a platform to shine, a chance to grow and a memory to treasure for years to come.
For more information about community football opportunities available, contact [email protected]
