Hosted by presenter Alex Aljoe, the inaugural West Ham United Foundation Gala Dinner, proudly supported by Paragon, featured an array of Claret and Blue stars, including Jarrod Bowen, Vladimír Coufal, Shelina Zadorsky, Amber Tysiak, Head Coaches Julen Lopetegui and Rehanne Skinner, legends Mark Noble and Sir Trevor Brooking, and over 200 business leaders, celebrities, politicians and Irons supporters.
The evening’s focus was on raising essential funds for the Club's charitable efforts and celebrating the community heroes whose lives have been positively impacted by the Foundation’s work. The star-studded occasion was further elevated by the attendance of Hollywood actor and lifelong West Ham fan Ray Winstone, who summed up the evening’s spirit perfectly, saying: “We’re not just a team; we’re a family full of hope. We play good football, and we make a difference. That’s what being a Hammer is all about.”
Transforming Lives, Building Futures
With the redevelopment of the Beckton Community Hub underway, funds raised on the night will directly support this transformational initiative, which is expected to generate over £75 million in social value within its first five years. Located near the Club’s historic Boleyn Ground, the new hub aims to double the Foundation’s social impact, creating a space for learning, mentorship and recreation.
“This isn’t just about football,” said James Asser, MP for West Ham and Beckton. “The Foundation represents an area with huge poverty and people struggling, but they don’t lack ambition. They lack opportunity. With the growth of the Foundation and the new facilities, the impact will be huge.”
Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, echoed this sentiment, celebrating the connection between the Club and its community. He said: “West Ham is part of our culture. The Foundation brings people together, gives young people great opportunities, and inspires leadership, hard work and dedication.
Inspiring stories of transformation
Throughout the evening, awards were presented to individuals and organisations who exemplify the Foundation’s core values. Among them was Thalia Lewis, who overcame significant challenges through the Moore Family Foundation programme. Roberta Moore, presenting the Female Rising Star Award, said: “Thalia embodies everything we hoped the Foundation would achieve, helping young people to forge their way in the world with good, strong values. I have enormous respect for her and what she has accomplished.”
The Male Rising Star Award was presented to Haidar Jebara, a young footballer who excelled in the Foundation’s Post-16 programme. Jarrod Bowen, presenting the award, reflected: “This Club thrives off hard work, determination and love for everyone. That’s what makes it so special and to be part of that as captain is a real honour.”
The evening also celebrated grassroots contributions to the community, including the violence reduction efforts of Be Heard As One, who were honoured with the Inspiring Futures Award. Vladimír Coufal, presenting the award, shared: “It’s all about seeing the smiles on kids’ faces when we visit schools or football pitches. I’m very grateful to the Foundation. When I signed for the Club, I was looking for places for my son to play football as he was quite young, and the Foundation gave him that opportunity.”
Paragon received the Outstanding Partner Award for their steadfast support of the Foundation’s initiatives. Reflecting on this partnership, Paragon Customer Communications CEO Dave Reynolds said: “This is about community and making a difference. Whether it’s supporting young people or feeding the elderly, the work we’re involved in truly matters. It’s a value exchange, and our team loves being part of it.”
The Spirit of West Ham Award went to Tayyab Hayat, a former PL Kicks participant turned schoolteacher, who credited the Foundation for saving his life. He said: “I could have gone down a very different path, one that many of my friends took. The Foundation gave me mentors who understood me and changed everything. Now, I’m helping the next generation to find their way.”
The final honour, the Hammers Hero Award, recognised the volunteering efforts of Doreen Moore and Maureen Hankin, who met through the Any Old Irons programme and now support the Claret Claims Clinic programme. Sir Trevor Brooking presented the award, highlighting their contributions to improving the lives of local pensioners.
Collecting the award, Doreen said: “I just can’t believe it, we had no idea we’d be winning an award this evening. I’m so grateful for the Foundation, we’ve had the chance to meet and help so many people who have been living so carefully and need financial support.”
The Gala Dinner was more than an evening of celebration; it was a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of giving back.
The evening closed with a heartfelt thanks from West Ham United Foundation CEO Joseph Lyons. He said: “Nights like this make our aim to deepen our impact possible, and I am deeply grateful to our sponsors, supporters, and everyone in attendance. We also couldn’t be more excited about the Beckton Community Hub redevelopment, set to open in Spring 2025. It will be a safe, welcoming space, fostering belonging and aspiration for all.”