The West Ham United Foundation supported by headline sponsor Paragon and supported by the Premier League, has marked another unforgettable milestone as its annual Gala Dinner & Awards returned on Wednesday 10 December 2025, bringing together players, partners, community leaders and supporters for a night of inspiration, celebration and fundraising at the historic Mansion House.
Hosted by the newly appointed Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, and presented by former West Ham United player and broadcaster Scott Minto, the prestigious setting provided a fitting backdrop for an evening dedicated to recognising the Foundation’s life-changing work across east London and beyond.
Guests enjoyed a programme of fine dining, live entertainment and powerful stories from participants whose lives have been transformed through the Foundation’s support. The event also celebrated a year of major growth, with the official opening of the Foundation’s new community hub – The Foundry in Beckton – serving as a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to local communities. The Foundry will significantly increase the Club’s community footprint, enabling West Ham to reach more than 60,000 people each year via 35 dedicated programmes catering for all ages and backgrounds. The new community hub will deliver £75 million in social value in its first five years of operation.
Building on the success of previous years, this year’s Gala Dinner brought together a star-studded line-up of West Ham United players, legends, ambassadors and long-standing supporters including: Men’s First Team Head Coach, Nuno Espírito Santo, Men’s First Team Captain, Jarrod Bowen, Tomáš Souček, Women’s Team Head Coach, Rehanne Skinner, Women’s players Verena Hanshaw, Amber Tysiak, Joint-Chair of the Board, Vanessa Gold, Club Ambassadors Anton Ferdinand, Matt Jarvis, Marlon Harewood, British Wheelchair Tennis Player, Andy Lapthorne MBE, Foundation Ambassador Bobby Seagull and long-time supporter, actor Ray Winstone. Attendees heard first-hand how the Foundation’s programmes continue to offer hope, opportunity and practical support at a time when its services are needed more than ever.
The evening also saw the presentation of eight Foundation Awards – supported by Rainbow, Shawbrook Bank and Teesside University London – recognising outstanding achievements across the community. Honourees included young participants, dedicated partners, inspiring service providers, exceptional fundraisers and individuals making a real difference locally. West Ham United first team players, managers and Club Ambassadors were on hand to present the awards and later took part in a lively Q&A with guests. Attendees also took part in live and silent auctions, and generously gave pledges and donations, with all funds raised going directly towards the delivery of community programmes at the The Foundry and beyond.
Stories shared on the night highlighted how the new space is enabling the Foundation to reach more people, more often, with greater depth of support.
CEO of the West Ham United Foundation, Joseph Lyons said:
“The Gala Dinner for me is about the recognition and validation for our Foundation. I want to thank the Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley for hosting us at Mansion House. The Lady Mayor believes in our social impact and going forward we want to build on our relationship with the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and are excited about the opportunities this will open up for us.
“Another big thank you goes to all of our guests this evening. The atmosphere has been brilliant, and their generosity has helped raise vital funds that will support our work through The Foundry, and enable us to continue to respond to urgent needs during what is already proving to be a harsh winter.”
Men’s First Team Captain, Jarrod Bowen shared his thoughts on the night:
“It’s a huge honour to come to the Foundation’s Gala Dinner & Awards Night and celebrate their success. The work that the Foundation delivers is life changing and the impact it has on people’s lives is only a good thing. This Club prides itself on being a family and we want to continue and grow that.”
Women’s Team player, Verena Hanshaw said:
“Feels so incredible to come here and I feel proud and honoured to hear about the work the Foundation do. It is super important that people are recognised for their great work. These are the people we need to make the world a better place, and I really feel the community spirit, it doesn’t matter where I go the supporters care about each other and that makes it very special.”
