by Staff Writer
Tuesday, 12th August 2025
The Under 21s will begin their second Vanarama National League Cup campaign with a trip to Woking tomorrow night.
Mark Robson's side failed to escape the group stage of the new 32-team competition - which pitches National Leagues senior teams against Premier League Under 21 teams - during its launch year, and are hoping to improve this time around.
And the young Hammers begin their campaign at the Laithwaite Community Stadium on Wednesday evening against Woking's first XI - the game being a 7pm kick-off.
Following their opening encounter in Group C, West Ham will face Sutton United at Gander Green Lane on Tuesday 21 October, with further fixtures against Truro City at the Truro Sports Hub on Tuesday 25 November and finally, against Aldershot Town at the EBB Stadium on Tuesday 9 December.
Gate receipts for all matches are retained by the National League teams in order to boost their coffers; the highest attendance in last season's competition being the 3,681 who watched Rochdale tackle Manchester United's Under 21s. The average gate during the group stages in last season's inaugural competition was 507 and 1,215 during the knockout rounds.
A prize pot of £1million is available to participating non-league teams, while PL2 (under 21) teams are not remunerated. The latter stages of the tournament take place on 27/28 January (quarter finals), 17/18 February (semis) while the Final is scheduled for either 17 or 18 March.
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