It’s humid. An intense warm-up drill is taking place in West Ham United women’s team’s pre-season training camp in Prague, and Riko Ueki wears a warm smile on her face.
The Japan international, midfielder Jess Ziu, strolls into the middle of a rondo, with the pair donning bright green bibs. Their objective: stop their teammates from completing 30 passes inside 30 seconds.
Ueki and Ziu are the fourth duo to take on the challenge, hoping to be the first winning pair. The No9 and No16 press like their lives depend on it and use every ounce of energy to ensure they walk away victorious.
It may have only been a light warm-up on the day before the Hammers’ pre-season friendly against Sparta Prague, but Ueki approached it with the same intensity as she would a World Cup final, displaying her will to win - no matter the prize at stake.
A few hours before, Ueki took some time out of her schedule to look ahead to Sunday’s friendly. She arrived with fellow Japanese player, and new signing, Yu Endo - and the pair have clearly struck up a strong friendship off the pitch.
“When I came to the Club, Risa [Shimizu] and Hona [Hayashi] helped me settle in, so I want to help Yu to settle in too,” said Ueki, with a heartfelt smile.
“On the pitch, she understands my strengths and we make good combinations as well. Two years ago I couldn’t speak English, so I want to help her enjoy English! I think hers is getting better.”
“My old team in Japan, Tokyo Verdy Belez, and her old team, Urawa Reds, are big rivals, so I’m so happy that we can be teammates now!”
Ueki, who last week celebrated her 26th birthday, is entering her third season in Claret and Blue and was delighted to be reunited with Rehanne Skinner’s side when they returned to Chadwell Heath on Monday 21 June.
The pre-season training camp in Prague provides an opportunity to strengthen bonds within the team, and for the Irons to test themselves against strong opposition.
Sunday's opponents Sparta Prague have been the dominant force in their domestic competition, 1. Liga Women, winning a record 21 titles since the league’s formation in 1993, and begin their campaign on Saturday 16 August, so will provide a strong adversary for the Hammers to pit themselves against.
“I’m really looking forward to the game,” said Ueki. “They will be a good test for us and we have to use these games to make sure we’re ready for the opening game in the WSL. I’m so excited!
“I love going on pre-season training camps with team-mates. Of course [being] on the pitch is fun, but being off the pitch with everyone, everyday is also fun. It’s been really good so far.
“I had never been to the Czech Republic before. It’s a nice location, it’s so natural, so it’s a good place to come to. I’m looking forward to going out and maybe buying something!
“Everyone had energy in training, everyone was cheering for each other, so we could prepare for the game really well.”
