Following a busy Easter period, the West Ham United Foundation’s international football programmes continue to flourish with dynamic activity across multiple continents, welcoming tour groups, delivering coaching experiences, and fostering key partnerships.
In recent weeks, we’ve proudly welcomed multiple tour groups to the UK from across the globe. Aspiring footballers have arrived to take part in a number of training programmes with our lead coaching teams. These visits were mirrored by groups travelling from Australia and multiple American states including Illinois, California, New Jersey, Atlanta and Colorado. Their commitment and passion brought great energy to our spring programmes, taking part in fixtures against our boys and girls player pathways.
March also saw the arrival of a dedicated group from our partners in Thailand ‘EPA/BASE’ closing out the month on a high note. The players made a strong impression, taking part in bespoke training sessions and match play that capped off an exciting first quarter of the year.
Looking ahead, our delivery team remains busy with coaches heading out to Northern Ireland to lead programme delivery as part of a new and growing partnership in the region. May brings a return to Thailand for further programme delivery, continuing our strong relationship in Southeast Asia.
Meanwhile, our partners at Choices International recently entered a tournament at Athletic Bilbao, deepening ties with Spanish clubs and creating fresh opportunities for future collaboration. Coach CPD (Continuing Professional Development) workshops are also scheduled for Australia in June, with preparation well underway to ensure a successful summer.
Inma Sánchez, Managing Director at Choices International, added: “We are proud to celebrate the ongoing partnership between Choices International and the West Ham United Foundation. Over the years, our partnership has grown from strength to strength, built on a shared commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and the development of future talent both on and off the pitch.
“We are truly grateful for the trust and collaboration we’ve established, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The summer promises to be one of our most ambitious yet, with regional camps set to take place across Australia and Thailand, while the Choices International summer programme will once again bring together players from multiple continents.
Staff will be returning to Switzerland to support our partners Inter Soccer across several camps and regions, coinciding with the arrival of a group from Dubai courtesy of our partners Elite Sport, a true testament to the expanding reach and reputation of our programmes.
Reflecting on our recent months of international delivery, Director of Programmes Bryan Glover said: “We’ve seen significant growth across our international work since the turn of the year with the Easter period being our busiest yet. I’m delighted with our recent work in New Zealand with George Cowie Football, as well as the success of our Choices International squad's achievement in Bilbao.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing to build on our relationships across the world and on a personal note, I can’t wait to see all our international partners at our new Beckton Hub once it’s reopened, bringing people from around the world to the heart of east London.”
As we continue to engage with new partners across the world and strengthen our longstanding strategic relationships with the likes of George Cowie Football, Choices International, EPA/BASE, Elite Sports, C4T, GIS plus many more, the future of our global programmes has never looked brighter.
