West Ham United Foundation recently welcomed an exclusive group of partners, patrons, ambassadors, and friends for a first look at The Foundry, its brand-new community headquarters in the heart of east London.
The purpose-built facility has been years in the making and brings together a wide range of programmes under one roof, from health and wellbeing activities to employability support, education, and sport. This special event offered invited guests a unique chance to see the space in action, with all areas of the building live, showcasing what The Foundry can offer.
Dr Jagan John, GP and Personalised Care Clinical Director for NHS England (London), praised the inclusive and preventative approach the space enables:
“Let’s not look at people medically, let’s look at them as whole people,” he said. “From older residents doing IT courses to kids on the pitch, this is exactly how we should be supporting mental and physical health. It's a fantastic example of the NHS, local authorities and community groups working together.”
Dr John also noted the importance of tackling food inequality and skills shortages through the Foundation’s kitchen programme:
“With poverty and obesity being major issues across east London, teaching people how to cook nutritious food affordably is a powerful tool and not something we can offer in a GP surgery.”
Visitors observed the Any Old Irons group taking part in seated aerobics, young people enjoying football sessions on the new pitch, and community members learning digital skills, all while sampling healthy meals prepared in our E6 Kitchen by Beyond Food.
Foundation Trustee Fatima Jalloh, who had last visited during the construction phase, said the space exceeded her expectations:
“Walking through the yellow gates and seeing the Hammers on the wall, it just hit me. It shows what the Foundation stands for: inclusion, accessibility and connection. From the showers with hoists to the safeguarding spaces, this is a place designed for everyone. I honestly believe it will change lives.”
Amongst the guests was West Ham United Academy Manager and former player Kenny Brown, who shared his thoughts on the broader role The Foundry could have on player development.
“We all want to see a player go from here right through to the first team. But our real responsibility is helping young people become better people and what’s been created here helps do exactly that.”
He also spoke of the Foundry’s potential for staff as well as community:
“It’s already being looked at as a space for meetings, collaboration, and sharing ideas. It’s a world-class resource that can be used across the club.”
For Joseph Lyons, CEO of West Ham United Foundation, the event was a key milestone in a journey that began nearly a decade ago.
“We designed a hub that we feel is inclusive, welcoming, and built for all. But you don’t really know until you see it in action. Today people saw it, they believed it and now it’s real.”
Lyons added: “This isn’t just a building. It’s a foundation for futures. We’ve always said The Foundry should be a place where anyone, no matter their background can begin their journey and today we showed what’s possible.”
