As West Ham United Foundation’s Premier League Kicks participants braved freezing temperatures to head to Beckton, little did they know that two of West Ham United’s rising young talents would be there to meet them.
Having just signed his first professional contract the previous week, U21s captain Michael Forbes dropped in alongside teammate and Newham local Divin Mubama to inspire the young footballers.
The participants, aged eight to 18, hailing from all different backgrounds, attend the Foundation’s Kicks after-school sessions once-a-week.
With the sessions being free and delivered by fully-qualified WHU Foundation coaches, children can attend, improve their skills and make friends, regardless of their families' financial situations.
“Kicks is a fundamental programme in terms of steering young people away from antisocial behaviour,” said WHU Foundation Youth & Community Work Manager Paul Iseghohi. “We deliver these sessions in disadvantaged areas, so naturally young people are more susceptible to getting involved in criminal activity. If kids are coming to play football with us after school, it means they are less likely to be getting involved in gang violence, not to mention all the social and mental health benefits that come with engaging in physical activity.”
Kicking off with a Q&A, the participants were eager to know every detail of their path to professional, from how many clubs they had played for, what their diet consisted of to how many hours they trained each week in their formative years.
With temperatures hovering just above freezing, it was time for the young people to take to the pitch and get warmed up.
Participants from each age group were chosen for a Kicks challenge and split into two teams with their assigned team captains, Mubama and Forbes.
In a race against the clock, both teams went head-to-head as the young people aimed to hit the crossbar, unlocking the chance to assist their captains in answering questions related to Kicks and West Ham.
The challenge fueled a spirited rivalry, driving both players and participants, determined to seize Kicks bragging rights.
“It was a really dynamic session,” added Iseghohi. “It was great to see the players engaging with our young people in such an interactive manner.
“Our young people really look up to the players, so it was inspiring to see them conduct themselves so maturely despite the fact they’re still only teenagers.”
Shortly after convening all the age groups for a team photo at the end of the session, Forbes said: “I really enjoyed today’s activity. It’s great to be involved in these community activations; it brings you back to reality. I hope Divin and I have inspired these kids to keep working hard both in school and on the pitch.”
If you or anyone you know is interested in joining our free inclusive Premier League Kicks sessions at one of WHU Foundation’s community hubs, please contact us on [email protected]
