West Ham United’s rising stars helped celebrate five years of the Lycamobile Cup by launching this season’s competition.

East London Advertiser: West Ham United Players visit Football Foundation Centre Beckton Centre for the launch of the Lycamobile Cup (Pic: Griffths Photographers)West Ham United Players visit Football Foundation Centre Beckton Centre for the launch of the Lycamobile Cup (Pic: Griffths Photographers) (Image: Griffiths Photographers NO FREE USE)

The opening tournament – the first of four qualifying rounds – took place at West Ham’s community hub in Beckton, and was attended by rising stars from the West Ham United Academy including Nathan Holland, Toni Martinez, Grady Diangana and Moses Makasi, who acted as referees.

The Lycamobile Cup involves 80 teams and over 640 young players from local secondary schools and community centres, who compete in a series of tournaments over the course of the season.

The cup is split across two categories – under-12s and under-14s.

Holland said: “It was fantastic to watch the games unfold at the first-round tournament and to see the quality of football on show.

“It’s really important for us to support initiatives like the Lycamobile Cup which bring together the local community and showcase young talent.”

The remaining heats of the Lycamobile Cup are scheduled for venues including Chobham Academy in East Village of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and Barking Abbey School in Barking, culminating in an exciting finals day in April 2018.

Finalists will enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime to play at London Stadium in Stratford and West Ham United Foundation chief executive Joseph Lyons said: “Following another successful Lycamobile Cup last season, I am delighted to continue our partnership with Lycamobile once more this year.

“The cup is a fantastic opportunity for local young people, and with the added support from our Academy this year, I am sure it is going to be a brilliant tournament.”