West Ham United U21s will send a strong squad to the 25th edition of the annual HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens tournament in Hong Kong this coming weekend.
Northern Ireland international Michael Forbes will captain the ten-man group which will head to the Far East, with Gideon Kodua, who spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at EFL League One side Wycombe Wanderers, also included.
Fellow U21s Sean Moore, Patrick Kelly and Sean Tarima are all set for involvement, while U18s Tyron Akpata and Ezra Mayers, who both played at development level during the recently-concluded campaign, will also make the trip.
The Irons will be led by Academy coach Mark Phillips, who worked as part of the U18s coaching set-up for their FA Youth Cup success in 2023, and has previously led West Ham teams in Hong Kong, most recently in 2019.
West Ham have been drawn in Group A alongside HKFC Captain’s Select, defending champions Aston Villa and Yau Yee League Select, with the group stage taking place on Saturday 26 May.
The Hammers have a proud history at the Soccer Sevens, reaching the Cup final in 2015 and 2016, finishing as runners-up to Atlético Madrid and Aston Villa respectively, and winning the Shield in 2017.
In 2019, West Ham topped Group A after wins over Fulham and HKFC Captain’s Select, but lost to Rangers at the semi-final stage.
Academy Manager Kenny Brown said: “West Ham United have enjoyed sending an Academy team to the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens over the years and we are once again excited to participate in the 25th edition of the tournament this term.
“Adapting to a seven-a-side format will be a unique challenge for the group. With a host of local teams and sides from other UK academies involved this year, we anticipate enjoyable but competitive fixtures throughout the competition.”
West Ham United squad: Mason Terry, Michael Forbes ©, Sean Tarima, Tyron Akpata, Ezra Mayers, Liam Jones, Sean Moore, Patrick Kelly, Bradley Dolaghan (trialist), Gideon Kodua
