WNST is partnering with the FA to fund a wide-ranging programme of football projects for disabled Londoners. The scheme, Inclusive United, is being delivered by the community schemes of London’s professional clubs and over three years is providing opportunities for thousands of people – including those with learning difficulties, visual impairments, cerebral palsy or who are wheelchair users.
One of the community schemes, at West Ham, is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary of delivering sports activities in East London. After a recent visit to one of their successful projects for young people with learning disabilities, the WNST Chief Executive, Stewart Goshawk, was pleased to join the club for its Premier League match against Sunderland, which had been designated as the official celebration of the 25 years and the re-launch of the community scheme as the West Ham United Foundation. As part of the fun, Stewart joined other Foundation supporters and some of the project participants in a half-time penalty shoot-out on the Upton Park pitch, in front of a full-house crowd.
Foundation Chief Executive, Joseph Lyons said:
“We are all enormously proud of what has been achieved thus far and are inspired by the change we see around us. The launch of the West Ham United Foundation is a massive moment for us and the perfect start to our 25th year.
“We are ambitious and rightly so. We strive to have an influence that is life-changing. I’m confident that the coming years will be our best yet as West Ham United make the move to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This is an exciting time for all concerned and I look forward to a bright future.”
