Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: West Ham United
West Ham United and Lyca Mobile, the club’s longstanding partner since 2012, have launched ‘Hotspots’, a new content series highlighting London’s diverse food culture while integrating football and community engagement.
What Is ‘Hotspots’?
‘Hotspots’ features West Ham men’s and women’s team players visiting local restaurants and hidden culinary gems across London, blending football, food, and culture. The series aligns with Lyca Mobile’s global identity as a telecommunications provider connecting people across different communities and West Ham United’s commitment to engaging with its East London roots.
The first episode, filmed at Barge East in Hackney Wick, features Crysencio Summerville and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The players meet Executive Chef Gavin Gordon, a local Stratford resident, West Ham fan, and a former MasterChef Professionals semi-finalist.
Lyca Mobile’s Long-Term Partnership with West Ham United
Lyca Mobile has been an official West Ham United partner since the 2012/13 season, making it one of the club’s longest-standing commercial relationships. Founded in 2006, Lyca Mobile operates in 22 countries and serves over 16 million customers, focusing on low-cost international calls, texts, and data services.
Over the years, West Ham and Lyca Mobile have collaborated on multiple campaigns, with a particular focus on community engagement in East London and Essex. Previous initiatives include the YouTube series ‘Snack Wars’, which featured discussions on cultural traditions such as Ramadan and how players adjust their routines during the holy month.
Frank Wiemann, CMO of Lyca Group highlighted the campaign’s focus, stating:
“At Lyca Mobile, we are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with West Ham United through the launch of ‘Hotspots.’ This series is a celebration of connections, community and values that are at the heart of both our brand and the Club. By showcasing the diverse culinary gems of London, we’re highlighting the local businesses that make our community unique, while giving West Ham United fans an exciting new way to engage with the players and the rich diversity surrounding us.”