Ben Johnson

Learning

Learning is another key strand of the Hammers' commitment to the community. There is evidence that lower levels of educational achievement can have a negative impact on an individual’s engagement with society: for example, in the increased likelihood that an individual will engage in criminal activity. Furthermore, there is a clear link between childhood poverty and reduced employment opportunities.

To help with learning across our communities, the Club has helped 1,000 students who have been involved in our Post 16 programme, combining football and studying, with 50% from Newham. West Ham United has also put on 150 PL Primary Stars workshops, with 77 teachers also attending a six week mentoring programme.

The Players’ Project has also run a series of events including:

  • PL Primary Stars outreach – maths workshop with Bobby Seagull, and diversity themed poetry competitions which players got involved with.
  • Community School Hub outreach programmes
  • Tower Hamlets Virtual School Awards
  • Working with the Moore Family Foundation, the Club put on student visits to the first team training ground at Rush Green
  • Last season, the Club also got involved in a men’s match day book giveaway to celebrate National Literacy Day