West Ham United U21s Kaelan Casey, Patrick Kelly, Levi Laing, Dan Chesters and Lewis Orford showed their support for Irons Supporting Foodbanks in the lead-up to Christmas as part of the Players’ Project.
The five Academy players joined founder John Ratomski at their hub on St Marks Industrial Estate in Silvertown, where he showed them the many items of food and clothing that had been donated by Hammers fans and West Ham United.
After sorting through boxes of food and clothes, the players helped load items into cars and vans and took the goods to Ascension Church Community Centre in West Ham; one of the many places supported by Irons Supporting Foodbanks in east London.
There, they met members of the church community and took the time to sign autographs for members of the West Ham family. They then posed for photos with the FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League South Division trophies, which the players had won in a memorable 2022/23 campaign.
The support from West Ham was organised as part of the Club’s Players’ Project, whereby Men’s, Women’s and Academy players regularly give their time to engage with individuals, groups and causes across east London.
Irons Supporting Foodbanks have a longstanding relationship with the Club, and Joint-Chairman, David Sullivan has made several personal donations throughout the years, including when he helped to fund the purchase of a new delivery van, which helped to collect and deliver food and clothing for the homeless centres across Newham.
With the Hammers continuing their support, Ratomski was pleased to see the growth of the partnership with West Ham United.
The demand for support in east London has never been higher, with Ratomski explaining that one foodbank in Leyton served over 80 families in one day.
Ratomski stated: “It has been great to have the Academy boys here. It has been good to be able to show them what West Ham fans do in the community and to get them involved and get their support.
“It is a busy busy time for us right now and there is a big demand. Without the West Ham fan base, we couldn’t do what we do.”
Kelly, part of the Hammers side who lifted the FA Youth Cup last season, explained that it was a privilege to give something back to the community that surrounds the football Club.
The midfielder said: “The fans play a massive part in the Club, so it is important we give back to them on days like this. You hear about [what West Ham fans do for their community] but when you are here you see how much work they’re really putting in behind the scenes.
“It is important to get back into the community and it is important we as players have a chance to give back.”
