West Ham United Foundation staff and participants, including CEO Joseph Lyons, attended a Downing Street reception, hosted by the Prime Minister, celebrating 25 years of the Football Foundation, a charity set up by the Government, The FA and the Premier League.
The Foundation were representing the Club at this celebration of grassroots sport and the thousands of facilities and pitches provided by the Football Foundation to get people active.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to announce that the Government will work with local areas and the sporting sector to better understand what facilities communities need, ensuring investment goes to the right place. It was also a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Football Foundation, the UK’s biggest sports charity funded by the Premier League, The FA and Government. This partnership has invested more than £1.3 billion – with Government as the largest funding partner – delivering over 1,300 new or improved 3G pitches, helping to improve over 15,000 grass pitches and more than 1,700 changing rooms, and giving communities great places to play and stay active.
Premier League Kicks, a programme providing opportunity in areas where young people face barriers was also celebrated as it hit its 20th year milestone. Launched as a collaboration between the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police in 2006, it now sees the League fund 93 clubs across the Premier League, English Football League and National League to provide young people with access to free weekly football sessions and education workshops in safe and supportive community environments, supported by 38 local police forces.
The Club’s More Than a Game Community Captain, Tayyab Hayat attended a dinner hosted by the Premier League at the House of Commons, later that evening. Guests including MP for West Ham and Beckton, James Asser were welcomed by Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Masters, and a Q&A discussion featuring Tayyab, highlighting his personal experience of Premier League Kicks programme.
Tayyab Hayat reflected on the evening:
“It was an amazing experience to be invited to the House of Commons. The setting was very intimate, and it was great to be able to personally share my experiences in conversation with MPs, explaining how important it is to have opportunities like I did which can make all the difference.
“Growing up in Newham was very difficult. I always told myself I wasn’t destined for much and so I just basically copied other boys who were being anti-social. By getting involved with the Foundation and Premier League Kicks I got a choice of two pathways. Where those boys have ended up in prison or not here, I was able to use the support of the Foundation and Premier League Kicks to take more positive pathways and build a future for myself.
“I’m proud to be able to share my journey to help others now too.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“I’ve played football for many years, and I know just how important it is to get out, play sport and stay active. But that’s not possible without investment in great facilities.
“I’m proud that this government is turning that around. From new football pitches to padel courts, we’re making sure everyone has somewhere to play.”
CEO of the West Ham United Foundation, Joseph Lyons who attended the event said:
“It was a real privilege to be part of the event and to see 25 years of the Football Foundation recognised in that way. Their support has made a huge difference to us as a Foundation – from our 3G pitch to our community hub at The Foundry – and we see first-hand every day the impact that investment has on people across our communities.
“Having some of our young people from Premier League Kicks there to experience it as well made it even more special. It’s something they’ll carry with them for a long time.”
