Match Preview

Canvey play their final pre-season match ahead of their 23/24 Isthmian League season this Tuesday evening as they welcome West Ham United's U21's to the Moviestarr Stadium.

This match is scheduled for a 7:30pm kick off and with a large crowd expected, we advise supporters arriving to the stadium earlier to avoid queue's before kick off.

The Opposition

Whilst it was a season to remember for the Hammers first team last year, bringing home the Europa Conference League trophy to Stratford to grant the club it's first major silverware since 1980, the U18's arguably went one step beyond, as they secured a league and FA Youth Cup double - the later the club academy's first 1999.

Watched by over 34,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium, the young Hammers triumphed with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Arsenal to lift the trophy. The same season saw them win the U18 Premier League South title, as they finished the campaign with an impressive 26 wins from 30 games in all competitions.

With the new season approaching, there is emphasis for members of the squad to break through into David Moyes' first team, with the club once again competing across all fronts, including the UEFA Europa League, with others looking to step into senior men's football on loan across the Football League.

The 'Academy Of Football' has always worked closely with the first team and many notable players have broken through to become either West Ham stalwarts or big stars across the Premier League. Notable academy graduates include Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Mark Noble and, most recently, Declan Rice, who became the most expensive English player in history upon joining Arsenal.

The Gulls

Canvey meanwhile, are preparing for their second campaign in the Isthmian League Premier following their promotion from the Isthmian League North in 2022.
Their first season back at Step 7 almost saw the Gulls do the unthinkable in challenging for promotion, eventually only losing out on penalties in the playoff's to eventual winners Aveley.

Brad Wellmen will be looking to see how his first team clicks in this match ahead of the season's opener at home against Haringey Borough on 12th August.
A busy pre-season calendar has seen trialists training and competing with the first team. Two have made the grade so far, with attacking players Kwesi Ntim and Luke Deslandes signing for the club. Wellmen has also added to his defence this season with the capture of Louis Arrowsmith from Southend United.

This will be the Gulls toughest pre-season test yet against a professional top-flight outfit. They'll want to be at their best in front of a big crowd as they look to impress ahead of the new season.

*MATCHDAY INFORMATION*

ADMISSION
Adults - £10
Concession (Students with Valid ID / Over 60's) - £5
U16s (Accompanied by an adult) - £2

Admission to this game is purchased at the turnstiles. Turnstiles will be open from 5:30pm.
Cash and Card payment is available at the gate. We recommend cash payments be paid to the exact total required to avoid delays.

PARKING
Free parking is available at the ground, though this is limited to a first come/first serve basis. Additional parking is available on the side roads near to the stadium, though we ask supporters to please be respectful to our neighbours if doing so.

Parking on Park Lane is also not recommended due to disruption for residents and access for emergency vehicles. Please note that the Leigh Beck car park close to the ground is also currently in use to work traffic, due to the ongoing renovation project to the sea wall.

Refeshments
Food and drink is available from our outdoor kiosks. The clubhouse will also be open, serving a range of alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages.