As the Foundation’s hectic summer programmes come to an end, it is time to look back upon the best summer ever, reflecting on those programmes which have run for the second year following successful implementation during 2015.
One of those initiatives is One Goal, the country’s biggest free holiday programme, delivered by West Ham United Foundation in partnership with L&Q Housing and eight other London clubs to provide sport and creative arts projects for young people across London.
One Goal uses sports and creative arts to motivate young people to be physically active, make healthy lifestyle choices and enjoy creative pursuits during the school holidays.
Last year, One Goal engaged more than 8,000 young people across London aged 5-21. This year, the programme provided free snacks and drinks to all attendees to help combat holiday hunger and move London towards its aim of becoming a ‘Zero Hunger City’.
The success of the programme has been celebrated by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (pictured above with Senior Community Officer George Chukwuma and Senior Inclusion Officer Austin Hughes, who said: “London is world-renowned for its sport and culture.
“As Mayor I’m committed to helping young people lead healthier, more active lifestyles, so I am really proud to see this successful partnership between some of the capital’s biggest football clubs and a valued housing partner continue for another year.
“I’m confident it will inspire even more young Londoners to get active and creative during their summer holidays.”
This year, the West Ham United Foundation has delivered multi sports including basketball, table tennis and athletics, provided workshops such as alcohol awareness and given participants the opportunity to get hands-on with a reptile display.
Sham Motin, Community Sports Manager at West Ham United Foundation, said: “The One Goal programme is an excellent opportunity to provide young people in our community with free holiday provision.
“We are grateful to L&Q for making it possible for over 300 young people to attend the course over the holidays, giving them a chance to be healthier through sport and to attend exciting workshops that they otherwise wouldn’t experience.”
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