West Ham United Women's Stars Inspire Young Players Ahead of New Season
West Ham United Women's stars Katie Zelem and Laia Codina surprised young players at the Club's Foundation Community Hub, celebrating the Hammers' under-11s to under-16s' standout season. The pair visited the female player pathway to honour the team's six Junior Premier League titles, two national successes, and two cup competitions.
What happened?
The young players were treated to a training session, Q&A, and advice from the first-team duo. Katie Zelem reflected on her own childhood in football, saying, "When I was younger, I was the only girl playing in an all-boys league. Now, looking at all these girls, it makes me so happy to see how far the game has come."
Why it matters for West Ham United Women
The visit was a valuable experience for the young players, who were inspired by the first-team duo's words and actions. Laia Codina said, "Sometimes as a professional, you just see it as your job, but it's nice to go back and remember when you were playing with your friends."
What comes next?
The Female Player Pathway programme supports girls aged five to 18, helping them develop on and off the pitch. The programme provides 35-plus courses for 60,000 people, making it an amazing resource for the community.
West Ham United Women's Community Hub
The Club's Foundation Community Hub, The Foundry, is an incredible facility that provides a range of courses and activities for the community. Katie Zelem said, "It's an amazing place. The fact they provide 35-plus courses for 60,000 people is something to be really proud of."
Conclusion
The visit was a huge success, with the young players inspired by the first-team duo's words and actions. The Female Player Pathway programme is an excellent resource for the community, and the Club's Foundation Community Hub is an amazing facility that provides a range of courses and activities.
