West Ham's women's team have paid tribute to the late Dylan Tombides during their tour of Western Australia.
A former Australian youth national team player, Tombides came through the Hammers' youth academy after moving to London with his family at the age of 15 in 2009.
A prolific goalscoring record and outstanding all-round game saw the centre-forward quickly move through the ranks, make a Premier League matchday squad at 17 and his senior debut in an EFL Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground at 18.
Tombides was tragically diagnosed with testicular cancer while representing his country at the 2011 FIFA U17 World Cup. Despite his bravery, and at one stage being given the all-clear, Tombides passed away in April 2014, aged 20.
Following his death, Tombides’ No38 shirt was retired by the Club - an honour only previously bestowed on the late, great Bobby Moore, who was also diagnosed with testicular cancer as a young man.
Tombides' family created the DT38 Foundation in February 2015 in his honour and West Ham's men's team showcased their support for the charity during their tour of Perth, Tombides' hometown, in the summer of 2023.
One year on, Rehanne Skinner's side have similarly honoured the former striker's legacy during their own tour Down Under.
West Ham women have paid tribute to Dylan Tombides during their trip to Australia
The former Socceroos and West Ham star died 10 years ago due to testicular cancer
Players donned DT38 awareness shirts at their first training session in the city on Monday, when they engaged with supporters during a meet and greet session at Macedonia Park - the home of Stirling Lions, a youth team Tombides previously played for.
The DT38 logo will also feature on the back of players' matchday shirts for both of their Perth International Football Cup clashes, against Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday and either Manchester City or Leicester City on Sunday, with both games taking place at HBF Park.
Ahead of kick-off against PSG, a 30-second trailer for a new documentary about Tombides, produced by DT38 and Premier League Productions, is set to be played on the big screens, arming as many people as possible with the knowledge to fight testicular cancer.
On Wednesday, four members of the West Ham women’s team squad visited the statue of Tombides outside the city’s Perth Rectangular Stadium, that was unveiled in 2015.
Dagny Brynjarsdottir, Camila Saez, Riko Ueki and Soraya Walsh were each pleased to learn more about Dylan’s story, and were all proud to support a cause so close to the hearts of all at the Club.
Brynjarsdóttir said: 'I’m very honoured to have been able to visit the statue and honour Dylan’s memory, which is really important to everyone associated with West Ham United.
The West Ham players paid a special tribute to the Australian during their tour Down Under
Hammers players, including Matildas star Katrina Gorry, wore special warm up shirts dedicated to Tombides
'The work DT38 does to raise awareness of testicular cancer, and cancer in general, is amazing, and it’s great to keep spreading the word on our t-shirts and match shirts, which we’re all looking forward to wearing in both of our games over here.'
'The work DT38 does to raise awareness of testicular cancer, and cancer in general, is amazing, and it’s great to keep spreading the word on our t-shirts and match shirts, which we’re all looking forward to wearing in both of our games over here.'
Donna Giuffre , Head of Media & Operations at DT38 Australia added: 'We are incredibly honoured to welcome the West Ham United Women's team to Perth. Their visit is also a beautiful way to honour Dylan's legacy.
'Dylan Tombides was deeply connected to West Ham, and seeing the club continue to support DT38 and our work means the world to us. This visit highlights the ongoing commitment to raising awareness for testicular cancer and keeping Dylan's memory alive through football.'