The West Ham United Foundation joined the celebrations for the International Day of Football and Friendship
The West Ham United Foundation joined the celebrations for the International Day of Football and Friendship yesterday, an event involving over 90,000 people in the 32 countries participating in the Football for Friendship programme.
Football for Friendship is an international social programme which aims to develop youth football and foster tolerance and respect towards different cultures and ethnicities among children from across the world.
As part of a series of coordinated activities around the globe, the youngsters visited the Boleyn Ground to enjoy a Q&A with Club Ambassador Tony Carr MBE, before meeting first team defender James Tomkins. The young Hammers then took to the pitch for a friendly game at the Foundation facilities in Beckton, where they played together as a team for the first time.
Ahead of kick-off, the youngsters exchanged Friendship bracelets with each other and the opposing team, a symbol representing the project’s founding values of tolerance, equality and healthy lifestyles.
Football for Friendship is an international social programme which aims to develop youth football and foster tolerance and respect towards different cultures and ethnicities among children from across the world.
As part of a series of coordinated activities around the globe, the youngsters visited the Boleyn Ground to enjoy a Q&A with Club Ambassador Tony Carr MBE, before meeting first team defender James Tomkins. The young Hammers then took to the pitch for a friendly game at the Foundation facilities in Beckton, where they played together as a team for the first time.
Ahead of kick-off, the youngsters exchanged Friendship bracelets with each other and the opposing team, a symbol representing the project’s founding values of tolerance, equality and healthy lifestyles.
Speaking about the project, Carr said: “I don’t think the kids realise how lucky they really are. Football speaks all languages. It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for them and it’s every football fan’s dream to go to the Champions League Final. I must say I am a little jealous I can’t go myself!”
14-year old Elliot Wavita, who plays as a goalkeeper, commented on participating in the Football for Friendship programme with the West Ham United Foundation: “It is really exciting. West Ham United is a big club and I don’t want to disappoint anyone. Not everybody gets the opportunity to be part of such a great project, and being able to go to Milan to watch the Champions League final is simply amazing!”
The West Ham United Foundation youngsters now set their sights on Milan, where they will represent the UK next month at the Football for Friendship International Children’s Forum, before attending this year’s UEFA Champions League final.
14-year old Elliot Wavita, who plays as a goalkeeper, commented on participating in the Football for Friendship programme with the West Ham United Foundation: “It is really exciting. West Ham United is a big club and I don’t want to disappoint anyone. Not everybody gets the opportunity to be part of such a great project, and being able to go to Milan to watch the Champions League final is simply amazing!”
The West Ham United Foundation youngsters now set their sights on Milan, where they will represent the UK next month at the Football for Friendship International Children’s Forum, before attending this year’s UEFA Champions League final.