A group of students on the Moore Family Foundation programme (MMF) from Eko Pathways School had an unforgettable experience when they were surprised by West Ham United first team stars as part of an enrichment day at the London Stadium.
The day was set up as an educational and inspirational outing, but what students didn’t know was that two Hammers stars, Dinos Mavropanos and Ollie Scarles, had a special surprise in store for them.
Football as a Tool for Growth
The Moore Family Foundation programme offers a lifeline to young people who face challenges in traditional educational settings. By combining academic and life-skills development with football-themed activities, the initiative delivers a comprehensive experience that equips participants with the tools to succeed in life.
The visit to London Stadium was designed with this mission in mind, allowing students to develop resilience, communication skills and confidence while immersing themselves in the world of professional football.
Upon arrival, the students were greeted and gifted with official West Ham jackets. Their journey continued in the players' lounge, where they engaged in discussions about overcoming challenges, using Mavropanos and Scarles as case studies. The students explored the pressures of professional sport, and the mental resilience needed to succeed, drawing parallels with their own experiences.
An Unforgettable Encounter
One of the day’s many highlights came when the students, believing they were simply working on a team talk exercise, were surprised in the first team dressing room by the arrival of Mavropanos and Scarles. The stunned reaction of 13-year-old Zach, a devoted West Ham supporter, summed up the moment perfectly as he described it as "one in a million."
The players listened attentively as the students presented their team talks, offering constructive feedback and sharing their own experiences of matchday pressure and preparation. The unexpected interaction made the lessons feel even more real and impactful, reinforcing the themes of perseverance and self-belief that the MMF programme strives to instill.
Reflecting on the importance of the day Mavropanos said: “For me these kinds of events are so important because it give us the opportunity to meet young people, offer them advice and help inspire them.”
More Than Just Football
The visit was about more than just meeting footballers, it was an opportunity to inspire and motivate. A pitchside Q&A allowed students to ask about pre-match rituals, dealing with setbacks, and the dedication needed to succeed in professional sport.
Mavropanos and Scarles answered each question thoughtfully, making sure every student felt valued and heard. Speaking about the day Scarles said: "It’s been great being able to surprise the kids here today and give them feedback on their team talk, as a young player myself I feel like I’ve been able to share some useful advice of what helped me overcome challenges.”
Students had the opportunity for photos and autographs as a memorable day came to a close. But beyond the excitement, the experience reinforced key lessons about resilience, teamwork, and self-improvement, values that will serve them far beyond the pitch.
Students weren't alone for the day’s activities, as they were joined by a special member of the Moore Family Foundation programme.
Thalia Lewis, who recently received the Rising Star Award at the Foundation’s inaugural Gala Dinner said this about the day: “The opportunities I’ve had through this programme have been brilliant and I’m so grateful to Roberta, Cormac, Kobi and Paula for all the help they’ve given to me.”
The Lasting Impact
This visit was made possible through the continued efforts of the West Ham United Foundation and the MMF programme, demonstrating how football can be a powerful force for change. The programme, inspired by the values of club legend Bobby Moore, provides young people with access to qualifications such as Sports Leadership and Business Administration, helping them build confidence and develop essential life skills.
Speaking about the day, Hammers fan and Assistant Head Teacher at Eko Pathways School, Charlie Cornish, said: “I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved today, everything that they’ve been taught on the programme just shone through.
The partnership between West Ham United and the MFF continues to create enriching experiences, from stadium tours to skill-building workshops. Events like these highlight the club’s dedication to empowering young people and providing them with opportunities they may not have otherwise encountered.
For the students of Eko Pathways School, this was more than just a day at a football club, it was a chance to be inspired by speaking to professional footballers whose hard work and dedication shows them that anything is possible.
