Jax’s Journey to West Ham: From the Gold Coast to London

The adventure has officially begun!

Our young Gold Coast soccer player, Jax, arrived in England on 19 September, ready for an unforgettable journey combining London sightseeing with a two-week football experience through George Cowie Football and the West Ham United Foundation.

After months of anticipation, training and preparation, Jax is finally in the United Kingdom—and judging by that enormous smile above London, he is loving every minute of it.

Exploring the sights of London

Before beginning his West Ham football program on 24 September, Jax and his dad made the most of their first few days in London.

They have already experienced many of the city’s most famous attractions, including:

• The London Eye
• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
• Tower Bridge
• Buckingham Palace
• The Changing of the Guard
• M&M’s London
• Hamleys toy shop
• Mr Fogg’s
• Nusr-Et
• A hop-on, hop-off tour aboard one of London’s famous red buses

They have certainly covered some ground. Each day, they have been recording more than 30,000 steps while exploring London!

The photograph above was taken during Jax’s visit to the London Eye, with the River Thames, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament providing an incredible backdrop.

From Australia to the United Kingdom

Jax and his dad travelled from Australia with Emirates. It has been a big journey from the Gold Coast to London, but there was no shortage of excitement as Jax prepared to begin the football experience he had been looking forward to for so long.

Jax begins his West Ham football experience

On 24 September, the sightseeing made way for football as Jax headed into camp for the beginning of his two-week program.

Jax earned this opportunity through George Cowie Football , which provides selected young Australian and New Zealand players with the chance to visit the United Kingdom, experience professional football environments and train under experienced development coaches.

For a dedicated junior soccer player from the Gold Coast, training in the environment associated with a famous English football club is an opportunity he will never forget.

The West Ham United Foundation’s international football program helps young players develop their technical skills through professional coaching sessions, small-sided games and other football experiences.

You can learn more about the pathway through George Cowie Football and the West Ham United Foundation’s international program.

An unforgettable opportunity for a junior soccer player

Jax has worked hard throughout the 2026 soccer season with the Palm Beach Sharks Under-10 Blue team. This trip is another exciting step in his development and a wonderful reward for his commitment to junior soccer.

As an Australian-owned, Gold Coast-based brand, Alpha Skins loves supporting young soccer players as they train, compete and chase their dreams.

Comfortable equipment can make a real difference when children spend long hours training. Our washable, slip-on kids’ shin guards are designed to remain comfortably in place without straps or tape, helping junior soccer players concentrate on their football.

Jax will once again be putting his Alpha Skins through plenty of hard work during his football training in the United Kingdom.

Follow Jax’s journey

This is only the beginning of Jax’s West Ham adventure.

Over the coming days, we will share more photographs and updates from his training sessions, football experiences and travels through England and Scotland.

We are enormously proud of Jax and cannot wait to hear all about his first days at camp.

Follow the Alpha Skins blog for the next chapter of Jax’s Journey to West Ham.