Bobby Moore’s daughter Roberta paid an emotional visit to St Edward’s Catholic Primary in Green Street, helping to recreate a famous photo taken to celebrate her father’s 100th international appearance for England.
The school, located next to the old Boleyn Ground in Upton Park, holds a special place in West Ham United’s history, having been visited many times by Bobby and been chosen as the location for the February 1973 picture that saw the then-Hammers and Three Lions captain pose with 99 pupils, all adorned in blue and gold caps.
The brainchild of the original image - that was later replicated by Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney - was Bobby’s photographer friend Kent Gavin, who joined 12 of the original children back at St Edward’s as Roberta convened with 99 current students 51 years on.
Roberta said: “The photo has always been one of my favourites, and it’s been brilliant to come to the school to commemorate it and recreate it half a century later.
“I’ve always heard wonderful things about St Edward’s, and I know the school meant a great deal to my dad. When the team would train at the Boleyn Ground there were always young boys waiting for him, and he loved seeing them and spending time with them.
“It was great to see the similarly excited faces of the new generation, as well as hear some special memories from the former students, and of course our great friend Kent Gavin.”
Kent said: “I came up with the original idea over lunch with Bobby ahead of that 100th match against Scotland. I remember it being a struggle to keep all the kids still, and my favourite thing about the image is all the different expressions on the kids’ faces!
“Bobby loved the photo, because the local community meant such a great deal to him. It was amazing to see the recreation today, and to see Roberta taking on that mantle. Bobby would have been so proud.”
During her visit, Roberta took the opportunity to help launch the school’s ‘Aspirations Week’, enthralling the children with the tale of how her father rose from humble beginnings to lead his club and country to glory, including at the 1966 World Cup.
While her day included being made an honorary ‘Teddy’ - the name given to former pupils of the school - Roberta also explained to the youngsters how Bobby’s legacy continues through the work of the Moore Family Foundation (MFF), which promotes six core values he displayed: courtesy, generosity, hard work, humbleness, respect for others and self-discipline.
Established ten years ago in Bobby’s memory, the MFF offers life-changing opportunities for young people across east London and Essex, with dedicated West Ham United Foundation mentors striving to help individual 11-16-year-olds from Alternative Provisions to fulfil their potential, providing them with specially-tailored guidance and support.
Roberta said: “It was an absolute pleasure and an honour to be able to contribute to the school’s Aspirations Week. My Dad’s achievements stemmed from his sheer hard work, and it was great to be able to share that with the current students and convey the message that they can all go on to do what they want in life.
“My Dad was a great leader and a great team player, and he always helped those around him to be better. That’s where the Moore Family Foundation comes from - we want to continue helping children be the best they can be, and it was great to relay that message today in a place so close to my Dad’s heart.”
Paul Underwood, headteacher at St Edward’s, added: “We are proud of our ongoing partnership with West Ham United. The club is so embedded in our school and local community, and to be able to strike up a real friendship with Bobby Moore’s daughter all these years on is really special.
“It was amazing to recreate the iconic photo, and to hear all about Bobby’s incredible achievements and values. I was delighted to make Roberta an honorary St Teddy, in recognition of her family’s connection to our school and the amazing work she does for young people in east London.”
For more information about the Moore Family Foundation, click HERE or contact [email protected].
