The West Ham Youth Academy today

[west_ham]

Good to see the press recognising our strengths as a club for a change, particularly in light on recent comments regarding how England primes it's young players.

That interview (http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1126121770?bctid=1321283933) I posted with Craig Johnson mentioned the 'victory at all costs' mentality as being the English way of things. It's something which I have been long opposed to so I am proud that West Ham do not promote this, but instead look to develop natural talent at a young age by encouraging kids and allowing them to play to their strengths.

As Hammers fans we all have this underlying belief that our successful Youth Academy and long standing tradition for quality football will come good for us one day and see us conquer the clubs which contaminate the game with the 'victory at all costs' approach (Well I do anyway. :rolleyes:).

May that day arrive soon.

[Hammerette 1]

Great read, Hammers will already know it but it's surprising the numbers on other BS boards who seem to think only the likes of Arsenal produce good young players.

[Footstomper]

Strange. My son is well pissed off at my 'He used to be west ham' litany everytime we play another top team

[blainehammer]

The interesting part is that, at least recently, the Mail has been very anti West Ham.

I am proud to be a Hammer.

[west_ham]

The Hammered blog site I visit has been posting West Ham hating comments from the Mail for about a year now. Only recently have they given it a rest.

But how fickle the press can be...

[manunited008]

hi do you know how i can get a trial with the academy

[taffhammer]

hi do you know how i can get a trial with the academy

a pseudonym would be a good start.

[Hammerette 1]

With only the barest information available I'd suggest writing to the club, tell them about yourself or maybe your coach or school could do it on your behalf?