Earlier on Thursday afternoon, our U21s were drawn against Colchester United in the Vertu Trophy round of 32. The draw confirmed our status as the only Academy side to reach the knockout stages of this year’s competition.
It marks the fourth time our development team has progressed to this stage, a record only bettered by Arsenal and Chelsea, who have each qualified five times since Academy teams were first introduced to the EFL Trophy in 2016/17.
Reflecting on the team’s progress this season, West Ham United Academy Director Kenny Brown said: “So far it’s been a really positive campaign, with strong performances both collectively and individually. I’m obviously delighted to draw a local club, one I know quite well. Kev [Keen] managed there, and we’ve always had good relationships with Colchester, nothing changes. I’m good friends with both Danny and Nicky Cowley, so it’s a really good draw for us and I’m sure everyone will be excited to go there in December.”
After completing last year’s group stage without picking up a point, the progress of this young cohort of Irons is there for all to see. Only three teams out of the 64 competing sides have scored more than our young Hammers’ nine goals in the group stage.
Our U21s will face Colchester United in the Round of 32 of the Vertu Trophy 🔮
The only Academy side still in the competition 👏— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 13, 2025
“Where we missed out on progressing in any of our knockout competitions last year, despite a strong league campaign, we sat down as Academy staff at the beginning of the season and discussed how we wanted to approach these tournaments,” Brown continued.
“We’ve got good numbers and we’re competing on all fronts. The consensus was clear, we wanted to take these competitions seriously and push to go further. So far, that approach has paid off.
“You can’t judge how other clubs prioritise these competitions, but for us, this achievement means a lot. We’ve treated every game with intent, fielded strong sides, and performed well on the night, so we’ll be ready for Colchester.”
Fittingly, the last time our young Hammers reached the EFL Trophy knockouts, they also faced the north-Essex side in the round of 32, a tie that ended in a 4-0 win for West Ham, with George Earthy on the scoresheet.
Earthy has again featured in this year’s campaign as he regains sharpness following injury, contributing a goal and two assists in wins over MK Dons (5-1) and Swindon Town (3-2).
“It says a lot about the Academy,” our No40 reflected. “These games against men are different. You really notice the physical side. Being able to cope with it and still win is what matters most.
“A lot of teams can play nice football, but the reality is about results. Getting through the group is never easy, especially when clubs start fielding stronger sides later on. We’ve set a good standard by getting this far, and now the boys will want to push on.”
In the current cohort of U21s, captain Airidas Golambeckis and his teammates, who lifted the U18 Premier League Cup earlier this year, are following in the footsteps of the likes of Earthy and Kaelan Casey, who themselves reached the EFL Trophy knockouts the season after winning the 2023 FA Youth Cup.
Although suspended for the Colchester fixture through accumulation of yellow cards, the England youth international will be hoping his teammates do the business in the first knockout round.
Golambeckis said: “To be the only U21s team to get through sets the tone of how good we can be. Hopefully we can carry that into the other cup competitions and the league as well.
“I think it's amazing to experience this competition and do well in it. Especially for us, our U21s team. For us younger players, it gives us that experience. Swindon and MK Dons are fighting for promotion in League Two; Reading, a League One side.
“It exposes you to that type of football which I think is very important. It’s probably my favourite competition and I’m delighted we’ve made it into the knockout stages.”
