West Ham’s Under-18’s will go head-to-head with Cheltenham Town, MK Dons, and Walsall in the coming seasons EFL Papa John’s Trophy.

A successful Group A campaign last season was quickly overshadowed with disappointment, as we found ourselves eliminated for fielding an ineligible player. Yes! It happened again!

This year the boys will be hoping to replicate the highs whilst leaving the frustrations of last year behind them, as they pit themselves against teams from EFL Leagues One and Two, along with a further 15 academy teams from the Premier League.

Breaking beyond the ‘Southern round of 16’ has so far proved to be a step too far for the young Hammers, having reached this stage on just two previous occasions since first entering the competition in 2016/17.

However, a new season brings new hopes, and Mark Robson’s side will be looking to hit the ground running when the competition gets underway with a visit to Walsall. MK Dons follow where the Hammers will come up against some familiar faces in Dan Kemp and Nathan Holland. The latter having recently signed for The Dons [July 2022] on a free transfer. Cheltenham Town cap off the Southern Group C fixtures.

EFL Papa John’s Trophy: Southern Section Group C

Walsall v West Ham United U18s
Tuesday 30 August 2022
Kick Off: 7.00pm
The Bank’s Stadium

Milton Keynes Dons v West Ham United U18s
Tuesday 04 October 2022
Kick Off: 7.00pm
Stadium MK

Cheltenham Town v West Ham United U18s
Tuesday 18 October 2022
Kick Off: 7.00pm
The Jonny-Rocks Stadium