West Ham United U15s claimed silverware success by defeating Leeds United in the final of the 2021/22 Floodlit Shield.
Played at St. George’s Park on Wednesday evening, the Hammers secured a 2-1 win in the competition final to lift the Shield in a thrilling fixture.
The young Irons beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 in the quarter-finals and saw off Chelsea 2-0 in the semi-finals to set up Wednesday’s contest with Leeds, with the U15s going all the away to secure a memorable victory in their young careers.
The Floodlit Shield is a tournament designed to offer young players the experience of playing in evening matches, under floodlights in a variety of weather conditions, in order to help prepare them for similarly challenging situations that they will face at U18s, U23s and senior football level.
An entertaining game saw the Irons take the 2-1 lead from the penalty spot with five minutes left to play, before Leeds were themselves awarded a penalty in the last minute of the match.
The young West Ham goalkeeper was able to deny the spot-kick, which transpired to be the last kick of the final, securing the Shield in the most nerve-wracking of scenarios.
Lauris Coggin, lead coach at Youth Development Phase for the West Ham United Academy, said the young Irons were thrilled to claim the trophy.
“The lads are absolutely delighted,” Coggin told whufc.com. “The Floodlit Shield offers something that is different to the usual games programme at this level and many of these players have been together since they were eight-years-old.
"Finals are always tough, especially for young players who are only 14 or 15-years-old. There were some difficult moments in the game, as there are in any cup final. The team showed an exceptional attitude and togetherness throughout the match.
“For them to get to this final and then win it together is fantastic. It means the world to them and their families. We are all very proud of them.”
With U18s assistant coach Mark Phillips watching on, Coggin noted that showing an aptitude for game management at such a young stage in their respective progression will only benefit each of the young Irons as they continue their journeys through the ranks.
He added: “At this age, our focus is on the development of the boys as people and players. As they progress through the age groups, we also have to be mindful of adjusting their mindset and mentality around game management. How to control a difficult moment and staying on top of the game, I think they showed that throughout.
“This win is another step in their group and individual development and we’re so proud of what they’ve achieved. Mark Phillips from the U18s staff came to support them and bridge the gap to the next stage for the players. It’s so important for them to be familiar and to understand what the next step looks like.”
Congratulations to our U15s squad for winning the Floodlit Shield!
Dondre Abraham
Rayan Oyebade
Emeka Adiele
Jethro Medine
Riley Hargan
Elisha Sowunmi
Preston Fearon
Ezra Mayers
Divine Mukasa
Rahmel Ellington
Amara Nallo
Donte Ranger
Airidas Golambeckis
Chinaza Nwosu
Gabriel Caliste
Ryan Kelly
