Supporter groups from across the Club recently gathered at Aston Mansfield Community Centre in Manor Park for the Active United summer event.
The Foundation’s Active United programme offers low intensity physical activity for adults of all abilities.
The activities include things such as walking football and walking basketball, with the aim of being inclusive and accessible for all.
As part of the funding received by the Premier League Fans Fund, the Foundation is aiming to engage with underrepresented fans including the Club’s Official Supporter Groups to promote health and well-being in the fan base and increase the sense of connection.
“It’s great to be able to collaborate with colleagues in Supporter Services on this - they are not only at the end of the phone but also a constant source of guidance for fixtures home and away and everything in between for our fans. With their assistance, we’ve been able to shape this event and help build relationships and awareness with new and familiar faces,” said event organiser Hervé Bessières.
To kick things off the Pride of Irons, Any Old Irons, Inclusive Irons, the Women’s Supporters Board and the Disabled Supporters Board attended an evening get together promoting social cohesion and awareness.
Apu from the Inclusive Irons thoroughly enjoyed the experience, stating: “I love talking to other West Ham fans and hearing what they’re trying to achieve. It’s uplifting, and it shows that West Ham is so much more than a Football Club.
“I think what the Foundation is doing with the health and wellness side of things is brilliant for engaging the community and hopefully it will continue to have a positive impact on people in the future.”
The event featured a fantastic live singing performance from Any Old Irons, Boccia games, stalls representing groups and activities, such as East End Road Runners, as well as moments to share stories of their West Ham Supporter origins over drinks and nibbles.
During a panel discussion, those in attendance recalled how they came to support the Club and what their supporter group means for them, demonstrating the strength and depth of diversity across West Ham United.
Lifelong supporter and walking football participant and volunteer Derek had a stronger claim to Claret and Blue fame than most, sharing that he lived next door to a young Mark Noble years ago when the former Hammers captain was just a teenager, and was subsequently caught on camera in the Sporting Director’s recent documentary.
Derek was also keen to encourage others to join Active United by linking in his own experience, saying: “Playing a game of football is fun whatever age, whatever mobility you can enjoy the game and social contact. If you give it a try, you will love it.”
Trevor spoke on behalf of the Women’s Supporters Board and indicated he had two possible choices of teams growing up, West Ham or Ipswich, but after just three visits to Upton Park, he declared himself Claret and Blue and the rest was history.
While the groups got lost in time as they recalled their highlights from past and present, there was a tremendous sense of unity and togetherness, with excitement for the Foundation’s initiatives.
Bessières said: “It’s about creating experiences for them to enjoy outside of a match day, in the community as part of their everyday lives.”
Many of those at the event had ties to other supporter groups such as Tracy from the Disabled Supporters Board.
She said: “Today represents something much bigger for me. I’m disabled but I’m also getting close to 65 like all the Any Old Irons and I’ve got people in my family who are gay, so all these groups are important.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting the other groups and hearing about the challenges they face.
“In the end we’re all West Ham fans and it’s lovely to get together and build that understanding of other groups and why there’s other groups.”
Summarising the impact delivered through the event, Patrick from the Pride of Irons shared: “It’s great to be here with other communities who face the same challenges. We all want to be seen and heard.
“Both the Club and the Foundation have been incredibly supportive, but it’s about being able to be your full self not only at a West Ham match, but outside of that as well.”
To find out more about Active United, please click HERE or contact [email protected]
