West Ham United fans from across the USA headed to Utah for a memorable weekend of football, snow and community spirit as the second edition of the Winter Weekender in partnership with Weedon Ranch took place in the Beehive State.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Park City Mountains, the Winter Weekender brings together West Ham United supporters from across the United States and beyond for a unique four-day event including winter sports, soccer on the snow and of course, a tailored watch party for the Irons Premier League clash with Burnley.
U.S. fans including those from the Park City Hammers and Miami Hammers Official Supporters Clubs were joined by Club Ambassador Anton Ferdinand for an incredible long weekend of activities in Canyons Village. These included Fire and Ice whiskey tasting and a competitive scavenger hunt across the Vail resort. Ferdinand, a firm fans favourite of the Hammers faithful wherever he goes, was delighted to meet fans, share memories from his playing days and spread his passion for West Ham United throughout the weekend.
As dawn broke on Saturday morning, there was an electric atmosphere around Weedon Ranch as Ferdinand and fellow Hammers joined together for 8am as the Hammers Premier League clash with Burnley kicked off over 4750 miles away in Lancashire. Any weary Hammers would’ve been delighted by mid-morning, as first-half goals from Crysencio Summerville and Taty Castellanos secured a vital three points and sparked jubilant scenes in Park City.
With spirits high following the Irons victory, fans also enjoyed a unique Apres Ski Takeover – featuring 4v4 soccer on the snow, a unique activity that captured enthusiasm of those in attendance and a firework display enjoyed by the whole village. The weekend was rounded off with SuperBowl Sunday as fans enjoyed refreshments as Seattle Seahawks lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy, defeating New England Patriots 29-13, meaning West Ham fan and Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Aden Durde became the first British coach to win the biggest prize in American Football.
Most importantly, the Winter Weekender not only brings together US based supporters, it has the east London community at its heart. All proceeds from the event are kindly donated by the Club’s Official Regional Partner Weedon Ranch directly to the West Ham United Foundation, the Club’s charitable arm and this year the event raised an astonishing sum of more than $45,000.
Each fan who attended the weekend ensured they were supporting the Foundation’s vital community work and initiatives that enrich people of all ages and backgrounds in east London and beyond. The Foundation’s work continues to ensure the Club’s impact is felt beyond matchdays.
Weedon Ranch, nestled in the mountains above Park City, Utah, has already raised over $1m for charitable causes, with the Foundation being one of its major benefactors.
Speaking following the Winter Weekender, Weedon Ranch owner, Roland Weedon said:
“It was incredible to welcome so many fans for this year’s Winter Weekender which has been a truly amazing weekend. The sense of community and togetherness that the event brings highlights the collective passion for West Ham United that exists in Park City and across the USA.
“To be able to come together, meet new people and enjoy a weekend fuelled by our love for the Club is brilliant but most importantly to be able to raise funds to support the vital work of the West Ham United Foundation.
“The West Ham United Winter Weekender has truly ignited the passion, enthusiasm and energy felt for the Club all over the world. We’re proud to partner with the Club to bring so many fans together to share our love for West Ham United and support the Foundation’s outstanding work which helps people back in east London and across the globe.”
Club Ambassador Anton Ferdinand added:
“It’s been a privilege to be involved with this year’s Winter Weekender in the stunning Park City mountains in Utah, a venue fitting for what has been a fantastic weekend with our supporters. The buzz and passion for our Club amongst our fans every time I am lucky enough to attend these types of events fills me with pride to represent the football club.
“This was my first time skiing and what a place to be able to learn! Having put on the ice skates last year, I was hoping I might be able to show off some of my moves whilst on the slopes, it was great fun! Wherever I go in the world, I love being able to watch our team together with the fans and it was great to be able to do so this weekend, with the added bonus of seeing a really vital win for the team.”
“Above all, the generosity from Weedon Ranch to donate the proceeds to the Foundation is incredible, as someone fortunate enough to see the life-changing work that goes on at the Foundry and across east London, it’s brilliant to see that level of support from one of our partners. There’s no doubt the funds raised will have a positive impact on our community.”
West Ham United Foundation CEO, Joseph Lyons, concluded:
“Everyone connected with the West Ham United Foundation is sincerely grateful for the generosity of the Weedon family and everyone who attended the Winter Weekender. The proceeds raised from this outstanding event has a profound impact on so many lives in east London and beyond. Furthermore, events such as the Winter Weekender ensure we can continue to deepen our work at the Foundry and across our community.”
To find out more about the West Ham United Foundation visit https://www.whufc.com/en/the-club/community/foundation
