FROM THE NPL TO WEST HAM UTD FC

BLAINE CARLYON'S (YEAR 7) ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP

Blaine Carlyon (Year 7 Thu Duc) has just returned from a whirlwind trip to the UK where he participated in a development program at West Ham United Football Club in London. This is a competitive and high performance program that provides opportunities for young players (outside of the UK) to travel to London and experience a professional, elite training environment and achieve their football goals. Blaine was chosen at age 10 (pre pandemic) and finally had the opportunity three years later. 

Blaine met and trained under legends of the game, including Hugh McAuley, a former Liverpool player and coach. The group also toured the stadiums of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Watford, West Ham and Sheffield before watching England vs Germany at a very packed Wembley Stadium. The group trained for two weeks and played games against numerous English teams, most of whom had players 15 years and older. 

Blaine is now home and enjoying a break before pre-season training for the next NPL season, where he plays as a midfielder for Inglewood Football Club. 

What an amazing experience for a young footballer who has a dream - congratulations!