West Ham United are returning to the United States this summer for the 2025 Premier League Summer Series.
The Hammers will take on Manchester United at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday 26 July, Everton at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on Wednesday 30 July, and AFC Bournemouth at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday 3 August.
Head Coach Graham Potter and his squad can be sure of a warm welcome from the many thousands of members of the Claret and Blue Army who call the US home.
The Stateside fanbase is comprised of both Americans and expatriates, many of whom are members of the many Official Supporters’ Clubs set up to provide the West Ham family with homes from home on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
As part of the build-up to the Premier League Summer Series, whufc.com has spoken to the Hammers who run those Supporters’ Clubs, looking ahead to watching their team from London in action over the coming weeks.
This week, we catch up with Indy Irons founder Martin Morasch about the noise West Ham United are making in the Crossroads of America…
Martin, can you talk us through the origins of Indy Irons?
“I had tried to get something together about six years ago, but I had no idea what to do or resources to help guide me, and then also the pandemic after that. In November, I saw an Instagram post from @westham_us that showed a map of supporters’ clubs in the US, and surprisingly, I didn’t see a club even close to me. Chicago is three hours away, St Louis is four hours away, and same with Columbus, Ohio. I commented that Indianapolis needs to get together and I started seeing other people ‘like’ my comment or their own comments about Indianapolis. So, I decided to take control of the situation and figure out how to get a supporters’ club going, getting the social media presence and getting word out there that we are now here. In January 2025, Indy Irons had become an Official Supporters Club!”
How many members do you have now?
“We are sitting at about 30 official members so far, and we can add maybe ten more who need to get signed up. We will NEVER turn someone away because they haven’t joined (yet). I have come across people that were worried about membership fees, but we do not charge a fee to be a member.”
How and where do you follow the Irons on a matchday?
“We are meeting at an British-style pub named Chatham Tap on the northside of Indy in the Fishers area. We have also done virtual watch parties where people who can’t make it due to terrible weather, family holidays, and just life happening can get together online.”
Has being part of the Official Supporters’ Clubs group enabled you to develop relationships with other supporters’ clubs across the US?
“Without a doubt! I cannot be more emphatic on this. The fellow admins who that I have met have been amazing in advice, guidance, and just welcoming. With that, I feel I have made some great new friendships. Josh in Detroit, Scotty in Baltimore, and this guy Tim in Philly who yells ‘Go Birds!’ out of nowhere – he is a Philadelphia Eagles NFL fan. I look forward to meeting even more supporters in Chicago [during Premier League Summer Series]. It is an amazing feeling getting to meet other people across the country with the same love for West Ham that I have.”
What’s been the most memorable moment you’ve had with Indy Irons?
“With us still being a wee-sized club, those memories keep getting better and better. The first time showing up to a watch party and you’re not the only West Ham fan and you’re not watching alone. There were only three of us that day but that was a massive moment in the building of the club. Every time we set up a watch party and we see new faces show up to join us. It’s great how people of different backgrounds and circumstances have all become fans of West Ham United and, of course, the friendships made across the world with other supporters’ groups and fans.”
Have you visited London Stadium for a live game in-person?
“Not as of yet. It is a big regret of mine. I haven’t been able to put together the spare time. I went from working 80 hours a week to going back to college for a degree in cybersecurity. Then I hit the ground running and am working again. It is on the bucket list and will get done.”
West Ham United will be visiting the United States for Premier League Summer Series 2025. What’s the feeling among your members about watching the Hammers live in the US?
“Everyone in the club is massively excited about the matches coming across the pond. With us only being a few hours away from Chicago, a majority of the members are coming. Some are coming solo, and some are making it a family event. Members from other OSCs are meeting up while everyone is out there.”
Which players are you most excited about seeing in the flesh?
“I think everyone wants to see this era’s Mr. West Ham, Jarrod Bowen. One of our members got to meet Tomáš Souček a few years back and they still write and keep in contact. I personally would love to meet the Gaffer, Graham Potter and any of the new summer signings of course. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is building a nice following of fans too.”
How ‘massive’ is West Ham United in the United States?
“A lot more than people realise. Even with the past couple of rough seasons the growth is still there. The new fans see the grit, passion, and likeable players of the club. Plus, the passion, heartbreak, and commitment of the supporters’ groups attracts people. We have even had a Liverpool fan watch matches with us, because he liked how we have fun, know football, and are paying attention to the matches and football overall.”
How can other supporters join Indy Irons?
“They can go to the West Ham website or directly to the sign-up page HERE. We also have our own website, IndyIrons.com, with links and step-by-step instructions that remind everyone to click the ‘Join Club’ button a second time after they register. Reach out to me on Instagram, Bluesky, or Facebook and I can help you through the process or answer any questions!”
