Earlier this month, our team had the incredible opportunity to take part in an exclusive football training clinic with Athletic Club Bilbao, one of Spain’s most respected clubs in La Liga
Our International U19 squad has officially won the Central London Development League this season, and they did it in style! With THREE games still in hand and a staggering goal difference of +41, their dominance has been undeniable.
The International Academy of Football with West Ham United Foundation has experienced an immensely successful first term. Our diverse team of players, hailing from across the globe, has come together to form a formidable squad. Their hard work, dedication, and skill have translated into an impressive unbeaten streak so far this season.
Unbeaten Streak and Dominant Performances
Our young talents have showcased their prowess by securing victories against some of the most competitive teams in the area. Among our notable wins are triumphs over Chelsea Foundation U19, Bromley FC U19, Sutton United U19, and Volenti Crystal Palace U19. With seven games unbeaten, the squad continues to exhibit strong performance, keeping our hopes alive in the Cup.
An essential part of our success has been the remarkable performance of last season’s Golden Boot winner, Haidar Jebara, who has carried his exceptional form into this term. Leading the league in scoring, Haidar has netted an extraordinary 14 goals in just 7 games. His consistent goal-scoring ability has been a crucial asset to our team’s success.
Team Dynamics and Coaching Excellence
Beyond individual brilliance, the team’s cohesiveness and unity have been key to our success. Players from various cultural backgrounds and playing styles have seamlessly merged, creating a team dynamic that is both unique and compelling. This international mix not only enhances the richness of the team’s play but also serves as a significant learning experience, promoting cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Our coaching staff deserves a special mention for moulding these young talents into such an effective unit. Their advanced training techniques, tactical insights, and continuous support have been instrumental. From rigorous drills to strategic gameplay analysis, the coaches ensure that the players are well-prepared for every match. The emphasis on physical fitness, mental toughness, and technical skills has cultivated an environment where excellence is the norm.
Exciting Tours and Competitions Ahead
As we look ahead, we are filled with optimism and excitement. The team is preparing for upcoming tours and competitions that promise to be both challenging and rewarding. In March, our squad will travel to Spain to train and compete with Athletic Club Bilbao, offering an invaluable experience to test our skills against one of Europe’s renowned youth setups.
This tour to Bilbao is more than just about playing matches; it is an opportunity for our players to immerse themselves in a different footballing culture. The exposure to new techniques, diverse playing philosophies, and the chance to face European talent will undoubtedly contribute to their growth as footballers.
In April, we will participate in the Costa Daurada Cup, a prestigious tournament that will provide our players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage. These events are not just about competition; they are about growth, learning, and developing both as players and individuals. Competing in the Costa Daurada Cup will allow our squad to measure themselves against some of the best youth teams globally, fostering resilience and adaptability.
High Spirits and Focused Development
The atmosphere within the squad is buoyant, with spirits running high. The players remain focused on their development, committed to producing results, and eager to continue their unbeaten streak. We are confident that this positive attitude, combined with the guidance from our exceptional coaching staff, will lead to continued success in the coming term.
The International Academy of Football with West Ham Foundation is proud of the achievements made so far and looks forward to the exciting journey ahead. As our players grow in skill and confidence, we anticipate even greater accomplishments in the future. The dedication and hard work are paying off, and we cannot wait to see what the rest of the season holds. This term has been a testament to how teamwork, determination, and expert coaching can shape a promising group of young footballers into a dominant force. As we progress, we aim to build on this foundation, continuing to nurture talent and achieve remarkable milestones. The entire academy community – players, coaches, staff, and supporters – stands united, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
For the Male Rising Star Award, men’s team captain Jarrod Bowen and women’s team vice-captain Shelina Zadorsky took to the stage to hand the award to Haidar Jebara. Haidar travelled from Nigeria to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Supported through the Foundation’s Post-16 partnership programme with Choices International, despite being in an entirely new environment, Haidar excelled through the programme, engaging well with his peers and even winning the golden boot in the SCL Central London Youth Development League.
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Hugo Bauer, a standout goalkeeper who graduated from our International Academy in July 2024, has signed with the prestigious Clermont Foot 63 in France!
Clermont Foot 63, based in the beautiful Auvergne region, boasts a rich history dating back to 1911. Known for their commitment to nurturing young talent, Clermont plays in Ligue 2 and has consistently proven to be a cradle for future stars. It’s the perfect environment for Hugo to embark on his professional journey.
Hugo’s exceptional skills between the sticks and his resilience on the field have always set him apart. Throughout his time at our academy, he demonstrated the kind of dedication and hard work that doesn’t just create a player, but forges a professional athlete ready for the challenges ahead. It’s no wonder that he caught the eye of several clubs, but it was the opportunity for growth and development at Clermont that ultimately guided his decision.
As Hugo starts his journey with Clermont’s U21 team, we couldn’t be prouder. This move is a testament to the philosophy we hold dear at the West Ham United Foundation: hard work and dedication truly pay off.
Join us in congratulating Hugo on this incredible milestone. Here’s to great saves and bright futures!
Choices International are pleased to announce that three Internationalplayers from their West Ham United Foundation (WHUF) International Academy Programme have been selected to participate in National Football Youth League (NFYL) U23 All-Star Trial
The Academy of Football by Choices International.
This September we have just kicked off the 2022/23 season of the West Ham United Foundation International Academy of Football. A high-performance academy where footballers from all over the world are able to train, develop and compete under a first division club with the support of a expert multidisciplinary team. The Academy of Football offers players a unique opportunity to discover their maximum potential and excel on and off the field.
For this new season we will have players of 15 different nationalities, who will live and learn the ‘West Ham way’, one of the Premier league clubs with the longest and most successful track records in academy football.
Choices International is proud to offer this comprehensive academy programme to students-athletes from all over the world from the age of 16 with annual, semester and term programmes available.
Are you a North American soccer player, 16-21, with the talent and ambition to compete against the best in the UK? If so, this is your opportunity as the Academy of Football is now launching a nationwide Talent ID search
The Academy of West Ham United F.C is recognised as one of the most successful football academies in the world, hence its nickname “The Academy of Football”. Premier League stars such as Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Mark Noble and recent sensation Declan Rice, to name just a few, passed through their youth system before breaking into top-flight football.
The Academy and its Foundation are not only devoted to the education and development of young English players but are also now opening their doors to young international players through its unique partnership with Choices International – a leading sports organisation – creating a world-class player development programme which will give international youth talent the opportunity to develop and compete at the highest levels.
West Ham United F.C Academy offers this unique pathway to American and Canadian players looking to discover their maximum potential and excel on and off the field. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will give players the chance to play showcase matches against some of the best academy teams in the country and depending on your choice of programme, play in the National Youth Football League.
The Academy of Football is launching a Talent ID search across North America for players between the age of 16 and 21. We are also recruiting for the WHU Academy Women’s U21s Shadow Squad and the WHU Foundation Men’s U23s Squad.
Both squads will participate in the National Youth Football League and Cup Tournament. All players on all programmes will follow the same methodology as the academy players and have access to the latest technology and experts to guide them in their development.
“We are delighted to be able to offer a world-leading programme with West Ham United; a club that has led the way in developing elite soccer talent” Inma Sanchez, Choices International.
Interested players should inquire if they can qualify by completing our APPLY NOW form at the top of this page. Player highlight videos are required to apply for a place. Partial Scholarships may be awarded to highly talented players.
The Academy is currently selecting players for the next intake in September / October, but places are limited.
Please be aware that the minimum age required to enter The Academy of Football is 16 years of age.
We are offering a full portfolio of academic programmes to be combined with the elite football training, however, there are also options for participants that wish to focus solely on achieving their highest-performance level in football techniques and tactics without academic studies.
All participants will enjoy the unique advantages of training in a Premier League Club Academy environment with all the opportunities that this implies.
You will be training under leading coaches within the West Ham United Player Development coaching team . This provides day2day visibility of players abilities and progress.
In addition, showcase events provide formal opportunities for you to be seen by leading scouts at West Ham United and other leading clubs. Certainly, this will give you the best option if they think that you are good enough to be pick up as an official player. Please, be aware that we cannot guaranty entrance to the club.
Come and join us!
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West Ham United Women are delighted to announce the signing of Zaneta Wyne.
The 30-year-old midfielder makes the move to east London from Scottish Women’s Premier League side Glasgow City and will wear the No2 shirt.
A versatile and experienced footballer, Wyne worked with Manager Olli Harder at his previous club, Klepp IL.
Wyne also has previous WSL experience, having played for Sunderland in the 2017/18 season.
And the California native can’t wait to return to the top level of women’s football at West Ham United.
“I’m super excited to be joining West Ham United!” she said. “I’m really pleased to be back in the Women’s Super League again and can’t wait to get started.
“I respect Olli a lot as a coach, he’s a good guy and works incredibly hard. I just want to play for him, so I’m looking forward to creating some new memories and hopefully bringing some success to the club.”
Olli Harder spoke of his delight in securing the signing of Wyne.
“Zaneta is somebody that will bring a lot of experience and technical quality to the team,” he added. “She’s played in a number of countries across the world and somebody who I’ve worked with before. I know that she will bring a lot of positive energy to the team.
“She is somebody that we believe will represent the football club in the best possible manner.”
Born in Newport Beach, California in 1990, Wyne began her footballing journey at high school, playing for the girls’ varsity team before heading off to the University of New Mexico. Whilst studying, the midfielder played for the New Mexico Lobos, before moving on the participate in the Women’s Premier Soccer League with the San Diego SeaLions.
Wyne then moved to Finnish club GBK Kokkola before moving on the Iceland’s Víkingyr Ólafvík in 2014, playing 16 times and scoring three goals.
The versatile midfielder then made the move to Apollon Ladies of Limassol, Cyprus – where she would help the team clinch the Cypriot First Division title and Cypriot Cup in her only season.
