London Stadium recently played host to an unforgettable day of football and personal growth as the West Ham United Foundation’s Training Ground participants took part in the 2024 Street Soccer Tournament.
This landmark event celebrated the power of football to transform lives, bringing together young people from across the UK for a day of competition, camaraderie and inspiration.
The Training Ground programme is an initiative designed to empower young individuals aged 18-30 through employability training and football coaching. Recently, participants had the chance to showcase their progress on one of football’s most iconic stages.
Empowering futures through football
For the West Ham United Foundation, the tournament was a testament to its mission to drive social inclusion and open doors for young people. Rashid Abba, Employability Manager and Academy Link Mentor, reflected on the impact of the event.
He said: “The Street Soccer event was a fantastic opportunity for local young people to have positive experiences and meet other participants from different parts of the country. The partnership with the Street Soccer Foundation is crucial for sustaining and creating more inspirational opportunities for positive change together.”
The Training Ground programme integrates football, mentoring and workshops to help participants develop vital skills such as resilience, leadership and teamwork. Volunteer Coach Pharrell Ferguson, a mentor on the Training Ground Plus programme, explained how football serves as a gateway to broader personal and professional growth.
Pharrell said: “We aim to try and help people gain employability skills. We try to use the power of football to engage participants as well as teaching them life skills. It’s been a great experience being here today helping out. Street Soccer really opens doors for people in terms of careers and employability, but it gives people that kickstart by giving them opportunities. It really is inspirational work. Most people would never have imagined being here at the stadium today.”
A day to remember
The day began with participants sharing their stories, reflecting on how the Training Ground programme has shaped their confidence, resilience and career ambitions. One participant, Jesse, highlighted the transformative nature of the initiative.
Jesse said: “The course has enabled me to improve self-confidence, my resilience, and helped me to progress in terms of what I want in a future career. I’ve made new friends, and all in all, it’s been a really positive experience. Playing in West Ham colours at their home ground is an incredible opportunity, and it’s nice to meet new faces and integrate with other teams.”
Beyond the game
The tournament itself featured thrilling matches, with participants showcasing not only their footballing talents but also the mental resilience and teamwork fostered by the programme. Players, coaches and spectators came together to celebrate their shared journey of growth and development.
The West Ham United Foundation’s collaboration with the Street Soccer Foundation continues to serve as a beacon of hope for young people, helping them overcome barriers and unlock their potential.
If you’re aged 18-30 and want to be part of the next Training Ground cohort, please contact the programme lead at [email protected] to begin your journey of self-development.
To find out more about the West Ham United Foundation, click HERE.
