West Ham’s U18 side have a huge occasion on their hands later this evening when they face Reading in the U18s Premier League Cup final. In a season shaped by overcoming obstacles, and growth, Lauris Coggin’s side will hope their hard work across the campaign pays off with a cup final win.

U18’s lead coach Lauris Coggin has worked as part of the Club’s academy for nine years. This season has been his first in charge of West Ham’s U18’s. It has been a season that has seen plenty of growth from individual players, with a number of Coggin’s U18 players making the step up to the U21’s.

Seeing some of his players make that step up has been a great source of pride for Coggin: “The development that we’ve seen this season, with multiple players gaining experience with the U21s, is much bigger than the cup final itself.”

West Ham’s route to the Premier League Cup final has not been smooth sailing. The Hammers came top of a challenging group which contained Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Southampton, who are currently top of the Premier League South, the young Hammers held their nerve to knock out defending champions Manchester United in a penalty shootout.

This was followed by a hard fought win against Derby County in the semi finals which saw them secure their place in tonight’s final.

Coggin is confident his side can get over the line against Reading, highlighting their strong performances in previous matches. The U18’s lead coach believes maintaining these levels of performances will be key to being victorious in the cup final.

“If we play to the level we know we can, we’re confident. We showed that against Derby and Manchester United, where the boys demonstrated real togetherness and unity, working for each other and the Academy. I’ve got no doubt we’ll produce a strong performance in the final.”

Lauris Coggin’s belief in his West Ham U18’s side’s ability to perform on the big stage is evident. If they can replicate the determination and togetherness shown in previous cup matches then they have every chance of getting past Reading and lifting the trophy.