West Ham United is delighted to announce the Foundation Community Hub's first sponsor which will see multi-year support for the newly created Kitchen space.
Stephen Scobie and Anne Graham, like many West Ham United supporters, are passionate in their commitment to Club and community. Their generous sponsorship will help to establish the Foundation’s social kitchen, which will be run by Beyond Food, a delivery partner.
Beyond Food is a charity dedicated to rehabilitation and employment training, helping people get a fresh start and learn valuable skills. They will be running the food and beverage services at the Foundation Hub and working in collaboration to provide free meals to those who need them most.
For Stephen and Anne, this exceptional opportunity is about more than just a donation, it’s about making a real and lasting difference to the lives of people in East London as Stephen himself explained: “We got involved with West Ham back in the mid-2010s, supporting the growth of girls' football in the area. Towards the end of COVID-19, we heard about the plans for a new Foundation Hub and that was something we were really keen to get involved with, because there’s a clear and present need for what the Foundation does.
“I think the space is great, and it’s all about generating positive outcomes for people, particularly on the social side. The idea of getting kids here after school, getting them fed, and giving them an opportunity to perhaps find a quiet place to do some homework and kick a ball about at the same time. I think it’s going to be huge for the local area and a space that will be in high demand.”
For Anne, the project has a deep personal meaning. She said: “We’re Hammers. I’ve always been a Hammer, having grown up round the corner from Billy Bonds, it’s just really nice that we’ve had the opportunity to be involved in a charity so close to West Ham. It feels quite special, and with Steve retiring, it feels like we have that spare time to give something back.
“The fact that so many children go hungry and don’t have enough food, or proper food, is terrible. It’s nice that we can help to try and address that in our own small way, but in a way that will affect people's lives. I can’t wait to see how Simon (Founder and CEO of Beyond Food) will utilise that kitchen space.
“It’s not about having our name on the wall, but the fact we’ve been able to play a small part in all of this is really special.”
The kitchen will serve as the heart of the venue, seamlessly tying everything together and creating a vibrant space where guests can enjoy exceptional food and drinks, all curated by the Beyond Food programme.
As a safe and inclusive space for all ages and abilities, the Hub will provide services that range from health and wellbeing to violence reduction, to tech and digital learning, in addition to inspiring future business leaders and budding entrepreneurs. Moreover, it is anticipated to generate over £75m in social value in its first five years of operation.
Joseph Lyons, CEO of West Ham United Foundation, said: “It’s been great to meet so many likeminded individuals and organisations on this journey and we are excited to continue to build partnerships for the spaces as we prepare to open in the coming months. Thanks to the ambition of our football club and supporters like Steve and Anne, it’s more than just a football focused community centre, it’s a multi-purpose, inspirational place where lives will be changed for the better.”
Speaking at the unveiling of the redevelopment plans earlier this season, West Ham United Vice-Chair, Baroness Karren Brady CBE, explained the Club’s ambition behind the redevelopment, saying: “West Ham United is a family Club, with deep roots in the capital, and what we are building here reflects our continued commitment to deliver a long-lasting Olympic legacy, in our community, the beating heart of the east London.
“This multi-million-pound investment brings to life our vision of an inspirational environment, a triumph of innovation, dedication, and grit – all the values that West Ham United prides itself on.”
As the project moves forward at pace, there are still opportunities for individuals, businesses, and others to get involved and help make a real difference, both locally and beyond. If you would like to find out more, please contact Joseph Lyons at [email protected].
