A Championship Season: Choices International Crowned Champions

Earlier this season, Choices International Academy of Football, proudly representing the West Ham United Foundation U19 Clarets, achieved a remarkable milestone, claiming the The Central London Development League title. After months of hard work, discipline, and belief, the team lifted the trophy on Wednesday, 30th April, in a special presentation by Steve Franks, The Chairman of the League.

A League of Talent, A Season of Challenge

The Central London Development League is known for its competitive edge and emerging football talent. Each fixture was a test, demanding tactical discipline, physical resilience, and mental sharpness.

Choices International Academy, entering only its second season in the The Central London Development League, rose to the top with authority, finishing 1st place, with 34 points. They recorded 11 wins, 1 draw and just 2 defeats in 14 games and the league’s best goal difference with +39 goals. Their closest rivals, Volenti Academy U19, trailed by 7 points.

A Golden Boot Performance: Haidar Jebara

Among the season’s many standouts, Haidar Jebara stole the spotlight with an astonishing 25 goals in 15 matches. His sharp finishing and relentless drive helped define the team’s attacking threat.

“It’s been a great season… much better than last year. I’ve got to give credit to the team and staff. I wouldn’t have the Golden Boot without the boys and the coaches.”

Haidar’s humility and work ethic reflect the deeper values of the programme: footballing excellence built on teamwork and character.

Haidar Jebara, Golden Boot of The Central London Development League 2024-2025

Coaching with Vision: The Philosophy Behind the Win

Ryan Gordon, Head Coach of the U19 Academy, led with a clear philosophy such as team togetherness, discipline, and attractive football:

“We focused on team togetherness, that necessary bond, and playing the way we as a club love football to be played.”

Coach Ryan highlighted how the programme goes beyond the pitch:

“We set goals with a philosophy of play, and the team bought into it. With a full-time programme that includes sports science, psychology, and strength & conditioning, I believe this is one of the best football and educational programmes in the country for developing players on and off the pitch.”

Ryan Gordon, Head Coach West Ham United Foundation U19 Clarets

Thank You

A massive thank you to Ryan Gordon, the Head Coach, and assistant coaches Harry Beaver and  Adem Abdullah-Conaty for doing such an amazing job this season. The West Ham Coaching Team, as well as our Strength & Conditioning Coach and everyone who has played a role in the season, deserve recognition for their outstanding efforts. Additionally, Ian Mackay, General Manager at Choices International, for your hard work and effort off the pitch to ensure this success.

West Ham Coaching and Choices International Staff

Now Recruiting: Class of 2025–26

Looking ahead to September 2025, the Choices International Academy will welcome a new intake of young talent, ready to build on the legacy of this season.

We are now actively recruiting players aged 16 to 21 to join the next chapter of our Academy. With world-class coaching, academic support, and a proven development pathway, this is your opportunity to grow, compete, and succeed at the highest level

REGISTER NOW
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Choices-International Announcement

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Choice international, in exclusive partnership with West Ham United Foundation, is pleased to announce the formal opening of The International Academy of Football.

West Ham United FC is one of  the leading and most famous teams within the English Premier League and is regarded by many as the ‘Academy of football’ due to its proud history of developing world-class players within its PlayerDevelopment Programme and is known as the Academy of Football due to its proud history of developing world-class players within the Player Development Programme. Among the many illustrious names to have emerged from the Academy are England World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, current England international Declan Rice and club captain Mark Noble. 

The new International Academy of Football Programme presents international student-athletes with the opportunity to experience world-class training and match-play under the direction of the West Ham United Foundation coaching team.

Importantly, The Academy programme provides the opportunity for student-athletes to measure themselves against the best, be seen by leading scouts, and at the same time, complete a first-class education. Our team provides support and guidance to help student-athletes maximise their success on the field; whilst providing opportunities for trying out for US Sports Scholarships and gaining professional coaching, scouting and referee qualifications. The programme incorporates a solid educational foundation and offers participants a range of qualifications; including university pathway programmes, Higher National Diplomas, A levels and BTEC Sports Management diplomas.  In addition, students may study SAT, TOEFL, IELTS or intensive English courses.

The programme opens up a wide range of career opportunities; whether as a professional player or by pursuing an academic and/or Management role. Participants can choose to pursue ambitions as a professional player, coach, progress to a US university with a sports scholarship or receive a sports degree in England. This is an elite programme designed for student-athletes with the ambition and talent to succeed.

For more information, please contact us! https://internationalacademyfootball.com

The Academy Team https://internationalacademyfootball.com

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