The West Ham United Foundation has marked a major milestone in the development of its state-of-the-art community hub, The Foundry, with the installation of a bold new canopy across the front of the building – and the return of the first programme participants to the site.
Proudly bearing the name West Ham United Foundation, the newly installed canopy is the final architectural element in this landmark project, symbolising the Club’s deep and lasting commitment to the communities it serves across east London, Essex and beyond. The installation also features an illuminated Hammers sign, designed to reflect the identity and values of the Foundation and its role as a driver of local impact and opportunity.
Joseph Lyons, CEO of the West Ham United Foundation, said:
“The installation of the canopy and illuminated Hammers sign at The Foundry is a huge moment for us and a proud reflection of West Ham United’s identity and values. We have the unique power to unite, inspire and create lasting change, and these additions to our Foundation hub reflect that. Just like the iconic visuals at the London Stadium, these are a proud symbol of identity, aspiration and community. The Foundry stands as a beacon for our community – a place where opportunity begins, and ambition and belonging are nurtured.”
Named in tribute to the Club’s origins as Thames Ironworks FC, The Foundry has been purpose-built to significantly expand the scale and impact of the Foundation’s life-changing programmes. Once fully operational, it will deliver more than 35 initiatives across education, employment, health, youth, inclusion, football development and enterprise – reaching over 50,000 people each year and projected to generate £75 million in social value over its first five years.
The building’s commissioning phase is now under way, with last week seeing the return of the first group of participants. Among them were young footballers from the Foundation’s Technical Development Centres – including six-year-old Jerome, who was honoured as the first official participant to step inside the new facility. To mark the occasion, Jerome received a Foundation boot bag and water bottle.
Derek Duncan, Programme Manager for the Technical Development Centres, said:
“Seeing Jerome walk through those doors as our first participant was a special moment for all of us. Our Technical Development Centres are now being tested in a world-class facility that matches our ambitions for these young footballers, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome our participants to this amazing new home.”
Among the first groups to return are participants from Any Old Irons, Premier League Kicks, Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) sessions, and trialists for both the boys’ and girls’ Post-16 football courses.
This testing period forms part of the Foundation’s careful phased launch strategy, ensuring all programmes and facilities are fully operational before the official opening later this year. With its modern spaces, symbolic new signage and community-first approach, The Foundry stands ready to become a cornerstone of opportunity and inclusion across the region.
