The West Ham United Foundation is proud to celebrate an incredible showing at this year’s Street Soccer Academy National Cup, where the boys’ team were crowned champions and the girls’ team secured a brilliant second-place finish.
Hosted by Derby County Community Trust, the annual five-a-side tournament brought together young people from Street Soccer Academies across the country to compete, connect and celebrate their journeys of personal development through football.
In collaboration with the Training Ground, every player involved has successfully completed West Ham United Foundation’s Street Soccer Academy (SSA) programme, which supports young people and helps them move forward through football, education and personal development. What truly sets this event apart is the opportunity it provides for participants to celebrate their achievements and inspire others on similar paths.
At its core, the Street Soccer Foundation exists to inspire and encourage vulnerable and disadvantaged young people to turn their lives around, using football as a catalyst for change, and our SSA participants are shining examples of this mission in action.
Enzo, a long-time participant and mentor within the West Ham United Foundation, shared his personal journey. He said: “It all started ten years ago when I was going to the West Ham Foundation. I reached out to one of my coaches and asked how I could get more involved, not just in helping to develop players, but in supporting people who want a pathway through football in another area, and that’s when I was introduced to Street Soccer.”
Enzo also spoke passionately about the deeper value of the Academy experience. He added: “It’s not just about football. It’s about building relationships, learning life skills and finding purpose. For anyone feeling lost, I can’t recommend it enough.”
Shahla, one of our standout female players, echoed that same sentiment. She said: “The West Ham United Foundation has opened so many doors for me, not just as a player but also as a coach. Living in London comes with its own barriers and limitations, but through all the support given to me, I’ve been able to keep pushing forward.”
Our success at the tournament represents more than just medals, it reflects the strength of our community, the power of meaningful mentorship and the life-changing opportunities that programmes like Street Soccer provide.