Anton Ferdinand and Nigel Reo-Coker spread the West Ham Way in the United States at New Jersey’s famous Ironbound Soccer Club.
The Hammers legends visited the community-based club in the heart of Newark, the largest city in New Jersey – the State where West Ham will begin their Premier League Summer Series by taking on Manchester United at MetLife Stadium on Saturday 26 July.
Former teammates Ferdinand and Reo-Coker duo found out about the incredible work Ironbound SC achieve by enabling children of all backgrounds, incomes and ages the opportunity to participate and develop their skills.
Fifteen-times New Jersey State Champions, Ironbound SC provide exciting and developmental opportunities for children from 3-14 years of age, all year round, with coaching sessions and leagues geared to each individual player’s level of ability.
Reo Coker and Ferdinand spent time with many of the club’s coaches for an open forum and Q&A session, discussing both clubs’ deep passion and tradition for nurturing young talent and being at the heart of their respective communities.
Promotion-winning captain Reo-Coker said: “It was a pleasure to be a part of an amazing football conversation about the modern game and management of players. Coaches who have a true love for the game and development of players are the lifeblood of grassroots football and must be supported at all costs.
“I’m proud to work with West Ham United and the Premier League to do that here in New Jersey.”
The visit came after Ferdinand and West Ham mascot Hammerhead had spent the morning across the Passiac River at Washington Elementary School in Kearny, inspiring over 100 elementary school children during an assembly, Q&A session and fun-filled soccer skills clinic.
The community events came after Ferdinand had met New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy at MetLife Stadium on Thursday evening, when both attended a concert given by American rapper Kendrick Lamar.
On Saturday morning, the defender returned for a tour of MetLife Stadium, the venue for West Ham’s PL Summer Series opener against Manchester United in July.
Ferdinand will meet Major League Baseball team New York Mets ahead of attending their MLB game with the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, New York City, on Saturday evening.
To complete a busy weekend, Ferdinand will join fellow Hammers legend Reo-Coker at Smithfield Hall in New York City on Sunday morning for a watch party with the New York City Hammers for our Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
For more information about Premier League Summer Series and to buy your tickets now, click HERE.
