Founded in 2015, Pride of Irons - the official West Ham United LGBTQ+ Inclusion Supporters’ Group - is celebrating its tenth birthday.
Over the past decade, the group has worked tirelessly with the aim of ensuring that West Ham United remains an environment free of hate, and is committed to being a driving force in tackling hate both on and off the pitch.
To mark the ten-year milestone, the West Ham United Fan Advisory Board have shared the following statement of solidarity between the two groups:
We stand united in our support of the work undertaken by Pride of Irons in fostering an inclusive environment for our LGBTQ+ fanbase and promoting equality and respect for all.
Working together as part of the Fan Advisory Board is essential for us all. By uniting our efforts, we can continue to ensure that our Club is a welcoming space for every supporter.
We are committed to working alongside Pride of Irons and all fan groups to uphold these values, standing against hate and fostering a culture of respect and inclusion for all at West Ham United.
West Ham United Head of Supporter Services, Cat Smith, said: “It is a huge achievement for Pride of Irons to have reached their tenth anniversary and we would like to offer our congratulations to Jo Bailey (Chair), Jim Dolan (Founder) and everyone who has been involved throughout their journey.
“We have been working closely with Pride of Irons with regard to how we celebrate this milestone, and we are encouraged to see the Fan Advisory Board standing side by side with Pride of Irons to provide an equal and inclusive experience for all of our supporters.”
The Fan Advisory Board is made up of 13 supporters from across the West Ham United fanbase. The group provides a forum for the Club to formally engage with fans on issues which affect the fanbase. To find out more, click HERE.
