West Ham United legend Anton Ferdinand led a superb community-filled afternoon in New Jersey, inspiring over 100 elementary school children during an assembly, Q&A session and fun-filled soccer skills clinic.
Ferdinand was joined by Club mascot Hammerhead at Washington Elementary School in Kearny, 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.
It was a fun-filled afternoon, with Ferdinand providing the students with a day they’ll never forget, whilst also helping share the unique story of West Ham United’s history and DNA.
Whilst rain might have moved the session into the gymnasium, spirits certainly were not dampened. Ferdinand kicked off the afternoon by sharing his own personal story of coming through the Club’s Academy before breaking into the first team. This was followed by a thought-provoking Q&A with the students, with some insightful questions to uncover more about the former Hammer’s career.
Ferdinand then took to the gymnasium pitch, taking on the students in a 7v1 game, with students certainly showing their skills as it rained goals galore. Smiles were beaming on faces as Ferdinand signed autographs and posed for photographs with students and teachers alike. To mark teacher appreciation week, Ferdinand also presented Washington Elementary principal, John Adamski, with a signed shirt to highlight the Club’s gratitude for welcoming us to New Jersey.
The school has a huge passion for football, particularly following the opening of Kearny Futures Field mini-pitch, which was built and funded by the Premier League and EA SPORTS in 2023, and made possible with support from the US Soccer Foundation, Governor Phil Murphy and Kearny School District.
Reflecting on the afternoon, Ferdinand said: “Football always comes first at West Ham United, but right up there is being at the heart of communities, championing grassroots football and inspiring people of all backgrounds, that rings true in east London and everywhere we go. It was great to meet the students and staff at Washington Elementary, their passion for the game is clear to see.”
“It is great to be back at Washington Elementary School, where we opened a mini-pitch back in 2023, for another fun day of soccer with West Ham United,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO at the US Soccer Foundation. “It’s clear from today and what we have planned this summer that West Ham and the Premier League care deeply about community and we are thrilled to work with them to ensure that more youth, especially those in under-resourced communities, have access to our game.”
John Adamski, Principal of Washington Elementary, said: “As soon as the kids found out about West Ham United’s visit, they were all super excited to see a professional team and professional player come to our school. There are always endearing moments in your life and this will almost definitely be one of them for our students, it’ll be something that they will cherish forever.”
“New Jersey is thrilled to host the Premier League Summer Series this July, further cementing our region as the soccer capital of the country,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As we prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026, the Summer Series tournament offers a unique opportunity to showcase our state on a global stage. This summer, New Jerseyans and visitors from around the world will come together to create unforgettable memories while experiencing the excitement of the world’s most popular sport.
“West Ham United’s visit is part of the Club’s continued efforts to get right to the heart of the host cities of this year’s Premier League Summer Series. The visit to New Jersey marks the countdown until the Club heads to the MetLife Stadium to take on Manchester United on July 26.”
Ferdinand will join fellow Hammers legend Nigel Reo-Coker at Smithfield Hall in New York City on Sunday morning for a watch party with the New York City Hammers for our clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
For more information about Premier League Summer Series and to buy your tickets now, click HERE.
