West Ham United and Lyca Mobile have proudly partnered for over 13 years to promote participation in sport - and this season they have teamed up to launch the Lyca Mobile in the Community initiative, hosting community-based workshops, coaching and football sessions aimed to boost participation throughout the community in east London.
Through the Lyca Mobile in the Community initiative, the leading Global mobile network operator continue to join forces with West Ham United to deliver a range of sessions targeted at three key pillars, Community football, Talent ID, and Coaches, each with the aim of unearthing talent and inspiring people of all backgrounds to get involved with football.
The coaching sessions will ensure parents, carers and under-represented groups gain valuable insights and support to obtain qualifications in the world of football, ensuring equal opportunities for all to help inspire the next generation of talent. These sessions will be supported by coaches from the West Ham United Academy, West Ham United Foundation and the local FA.
Following eleven years of delivering the Lyca Mobile Cup in the local community, this year and beyond will be aimed at highlighting under-represented and potentially overlooked talented players of all backgrounds, to ensure skilled players across east London can be unearthed and further grow within the sport.
This inspiring work will take place in the heart of West Ham United and Lyca Mobile’s community in areas including Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Redbridge, all with the aim of facilitating better pathways into football and youth work for local residents, especially young people.
Seven community events will take place through the programme across the three key pillars of engagement at Club and West Ham United Foundation sites, while over 750 young aspiring footballers and a selection of coaches and parents will all benefit from the community initiative.
One of West Ham United’s longest standing Club partners, Lyca Mobile will work closely across all arms of the Club including the Academy and Foundation.
The Foundation serves as the Hammers charitable arm to support thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds in communities in east London and beyond. The collaboration will also align with Lyca Mobile’s community initiatives and the Premier League’s inclusion efforts, championing the pair's strong presence in the community.
Prem Sivasamy, Group Deputy Chairman at Lyca Mobile, said: “As a global brand with deep roots in local communities, Lyca Mobile is honoured to continue our long-standing partnership with West Ham United through the ‘Lyca Mobile in the Community’ initiative.
"We are committed to supporting grassroots football and fostering inclusive environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive. By working alongside the Club and its Foundation, we aim to create meaningful pathways into sport, education, and personal development for communities across east London.”