West Ham United’s academy team are looking forward to the challenges of competing in the Bermuda Triangle Cup.

The young squad at the Premier League club recently commenced their pre-season training and will shift up a gear as they face local opposition during the tournament, which will be held at North Field, National Sports Centre, from July 23 to 28.

“We are all really excited about visiting Bermuda and competing in the tournament,” Jamie Bather, Head of Education and Player Care at West Ham, told The Royal Gazette.

“With our players all finishing their academic year this week and beginning their pre-season, it’s a really exciting opportunity and challenge for us all to be invited to the Bermuda Triangle Cup.

“Our coaches and players are under no illusion that the tournament will be a challenge for our players, with the opportunity to play Bermudian sides of differing ages.

“For us, this tournament falls in the first few weeks of our pre-season, so although the opportunity for competition and the tournament is in our thoughts, it will be a week of physical challenge and preparation for the players ahead of the 2024-25 season.”

West Ham are no strangers to the tournament but are returning this year with a totally new squad.

“For all staff and players, it will be our first time visiting the island,” Bather said.

“I have been speaking to the players and staff who visited a few years ago and all have been telling us how amazing the island and people are.

“We held a tour meeting last week and invited those who have been selected and the players were overwhelmed by the opportunity to visit a new part of the world and in particular the beautiful beaches of Bermuda

“We are also hoping to be able to support the players to explore the island and experience the culture, which for some is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“We’re expecting our players to represent West Ham United, demonstrate our values of togetherness, hard working, exciting and attitude, both on and off the pitch.”

West Ham are among a trio of international teams participating this year, including Charlotte FC Academy and Seedorf Select, who are also based in Britain.

Organised by Bermuda Sports International, the Bermuda Triangle Cup provides local players with exposure to international competition in their own backyard.

In addition to the matches, other players and coaches will have an opportunity to benefit from the tournament with special events such as a raffle drawing to be held at the semi-final games for various items from Charlotte FC.

Players not participating in the tournament can register for a skills clinic run by West Ham and Charlotte FC coaches to be held at North Field, National Sports Centre, on July 25.

There will also be a “Coaching for Success” panel run by West Ham and Charlotte FC coaches for local football coaches at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence on July 27.

The schedule for the upcoming tournament can be found at bermudasoccer.com/trianglecup.