West Ham support Prince's Trust

The 100th Team of young people helped by Newham College of Further Education and The Prince's Trust were congratulated at Upton Park on Friday, September 15th by Summer signing Jonathan Spector.

Over the 12-weeks, the 16-25 year olds have completed a community project, gained work experience and took part in a residential outdoor activities week to help improve their motivation and confidence so they can find work or get back into education.

Team 100 landscaped a garden for the elderly residents at Heritage Care in Forest Gate and organised an activity day for children aged 6-11yrs at the Community Links Play scheme in Brampton Park. Two of the Team gained employment straight after completing their work experience as part of the programme.

Newham College of Further Education has worked with The Trust since September 1997, helping around 1,500 young people from East London. There have been numerous success stories with many Team members making huge steps towards achieving their goals, gaining employment or entering further education and training.

West Ham United is one of over 60 professional football clubs working with The Prince's Trust through a partnership with the FA Premier League, PFA and Football Foundation. The Club provides behind the scenes tours, motivational talks, signed merchandise and player appearances to attract young people to the youth charity.

West Ham defender and Trust Ambassador Anton Ferdinand, said: "I come from the same background as most of these young people. Luckily, I had people around me to keep me on the straight and narrow, but not everyone has that. The Prince's Trust does a great job in helping young people get back on track."

Spector presented the children with their certificates and he said afterwards:

"I think it's good that West Ham is so involved within the community and with the Prince's Trust in particular as it has a huge impact and makes a big difference to these children's lives to be involved in schemes like this. I found it a very humbling experience to hear about what they had gone through and see what they had achieved."

Last year, four in five young people completing the initiative who were previously unemployed went onto education, employment or further training. A further 87% said that they had improved their motivation and confidence.