Tier 1
Technical Development Centres
Our entry-level tier. Individual technical development in an encouraging environment where players grow in confidence.
- Ball mastery
- Passing
- Shooting
- Dribbling
West Ham United Foundation · Youth Development 2026–27
The bridge from grassroots to the West Ham academy.
The Youth Development Football Programme at the Academy of Football, London — a three-tier pathway for players aged 14–16, built on West Ham United Foundation methodology. Train under Academy coaches, earn an Individual Development Plan every block, and put yourself in front of the scouting network.
The pathway
3development tiers · ages 14–16
TDC → Development → Performance
Inside the academy · 60s
Beckton · Development Squad session
Ages 14–16
Four sessions a week
West Ham methodology
Junior Premier League
Individual Development Plan
Beckton training site
Continuous talent ID
A three-tier system · ages 14–16
Develop and progress in line with your game.
Players join at the level that fits and move up as they earn it. Open to boys and girls.
Tier 2
Development Squads
Train four days a week with showcase games during half-terms. Standout players progress to the Performance Squad.
- Position-specific training in a team environment
- West Ham in- and out-of-possession principles
- Individual Development Plan each block (three per season)
Tier 3
Performance Squads
The elite tier — the bridge between grassroots and the football academy.
- Curriculum aligned with the West Ham Academy
- Weekly Junior Premier League (JPL) fixtures
- IDP each block with specific development targets
The Performance Squad
What the programme includes.
- Interview assessment
- Try-out day at the academy
- Four sessions per week (academic year)
- Competitive match play on Saturdays
- Two full kits
- Coach's progress report per term
- Personalised Development Plan
- Club talent-ID opportunities
- Medical insurance
- Continuous talent-spotting
A genuine bridge to the academy
Performance Squads train at our newly developed site in Beckton and are closely monitored by our Integration Manager and Academy Scout, Jim Hampshire.
Jim's role is to identify and recommend talented players to the Emerging Hammers — an academy-run centre for regionally scouted talent.
Those selected train with Academy coaches and, if successful, are invited for an official trial with the WHUF Academy.
Football training options
Choose your commitment.
Choose the commitment that fits your player. Fees are confirmed on your call.
One Term
A single block of the season.
- Four sessions per week
- Competitive match play
- Coach's progress report
- Individual Development Plan
Full season
Academic Year
The complete development pathway.
- Four sessions per week across the year
- Saturday Junior Premier League fixtures
- Two full kits + termly progress reports
- IDP each block · continuous talent ID
- Medical insurance included
One Semester
Two blocks of the season.
- Four sessions per week
- Competitive match play
- Coach's progress reports
- Individual Development Plan each block
Two intakes a year — September and January. Places for the September intake close 20 August. Academics (GCSE study alongside football) are arranged with our education partner — ask on your call.
How to join
Three steps to a place.
1
Book a call
A short call with our team to understand your son or daughter's level, age group, and goals, and answer your questions.
2
Interview & try-out
An interview assessment and a try-out day at the academy so our coaches can place the player at the right tier.
3
Register & start
Confirm the place and choose a term, semester, or full academic year. Registration and fees are arranged after your call.
Questions
Parent FAQ.
What ages is the programme for?
The Youth Development Football Programme is for players aged 14 to 16, open to boys and girls. Players are placed at one of three tiers — Technical Development Centres, Development Squads, or Performance Squads — according to level.
Where do players train?
At our newly developed site in Beckton, East London — an official West Ham United Foundation site. Players train under Academy coaches following a curriculum aligned with the West Ham Academy.
How does the pathway to the academy work?
Performance Squad players are monitored by our Integration Manager and Academy Scout, Jim Hampshire, who recommends talented players to the Emerging Hammers, an academy-run centre for regionally scouted talent. Those selected train with Academy coaches and, if successful, are invited for an official trial with the WHUF Academy.
What does it cost?
Fees depend on the commitment you choose — one term, one semester, or the full academic year — plus a one-time registration. Your advisor walks you through the exact figures, what's included, and instalment options on your call. No payment is taken at that stage.
Can players study alongside football?
Yes — GCSE study can be arranged alongside training with our education partner. The Academy is accredited by the British Council and English UK for the teaching of English. Talk to us about academic options on your call.
Ready to start the pathway?
Two intakes a year — September and January. Book a short call and we'll talk through the tier, the try-out, and the route to the academy.
English