Academy Internationals | Leacock and Kerr called up to Northern Ireland youth teams

West Ham United Academy duo Callum Leacock and Joel Kerr have been selected for Northern Ireland’s youth teams for the October international break.

Leacock, who has been captaining West Ham United U18s this season, has been selected for Northern Ireland U19s, and forward Kerr has been called up to the U17s.

The young pair signed for the Academy of Football in the summer, penning scholarship terms in July.

Leacock joined from NIFL champions Linfield after six years in their Academy. During his time at Linfield, Leacock also played Gaelic footbal, concluding his time with Derry-based O’Donovan Rossa GAC Magherafelt with a man of the match performance in his final game for the club, the Ulster U16s final.

The young defender signed his first professional contract at Rush Green Training Ground on the week he turned 17.

A regular international at U17s level, where he made 16 appearances, this is his first call-up to the U19s, a year above his age group. Leacock and his Northern Ireland teammates will face the USA on Saturday 11 October and Switzerland on Sunday 12 October.

Compatriot Kerr joined our young Hammers from NIFL Premiership side Glentoran’s Academy, where he played consistently above his age group since joining in 2020.

Like Leacock, Kerr is also a talented Gaelic football player. The 16-year-old was the standout player for County Tyrone, picking up the Player of the Match award in his side’s victory over Cavan as they claimed the Ulster Crown.

Kerr has already earned eight caps for Northern Ireland U17s and will rejoin the squad, for their training camp in Spain where they face Portugal on Thursday 9 October and the USA on Saturday 11 October.