Youngsters beat D.C.

West Ham United's youngsters held off the challenge of the United States' best Academy side - D.C. United - to reach the final of the International Amateur Soccer Tournament - The Challenge for the Tiffany Trophy Cup with a match to spare.

Dylan Tombides and Dominic Vose were both on target as a combined Under-16/17 side overcame the Americans 2-0 on home turf in Washington D.C. on Tuesday.

Having beaten the Georgian U17 national team 2-1 in their opening fixture, Tony Carr's Hammers are through to the final before taking on Northern Capital Soccer League outfit Annandale United in their final group-stage match.

West Ham have been made welcome in the American capital, attending a special reception at the British Embassy on Monday afternoon.

"The reception was a nice touch," said Carr. "The ambassador made us all very welcome and the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves. I also had the opportunity to attend a reception at the South African Embassy in honour of the country hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer.

"The boys were also able to enjoy a sightseeing trip around Washington D.C., during which they visited the White House, the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.

"As much as these trips are about the boys' football development, they are also educational. Some of them are young and had never flown before, let alone visited the United States, so it has been a great experience for them.

"Soccer in the United States is really buzzing, with youngsters participating in their tens of thousands across the country. The challenge here is to bridge the gap between youth soccer and the professional game."

All the club's expenses for the trip have been paid for by the tournament's organisers. Last year's competition was won by Real Madrid.

For more information about The Challenge for the Tiffany Trophy Cup, click here.