Since West Ham United was formed in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC, much has changed, but the Club’s values have remained the same. This is a club for honest, hardworking people. A club that belongs to east London.
One of the most culturally diverse areas of the capital, there’s a richness that comes from the togetherness shown in every corner of east London. It’s part of the fabric of our club. Of course, we celebrate flair and talent, but we fall in love with the grafters, those who combine hard work and skill.
It’s not just the Claret and Blue that binds us. It’s the values we wear and the people we represent. We are United by More.
To celebrate the release of our 2025/26 Home Kit, we invited supporters from across our fanbase, representing different generations, backgrounds, and experiences, to be part of our launch shoot. Among them were West Ham fans from Inclusive Irons, a supporters' group aimed at helping the Club reinforce their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
As a club based in one of the most diverse boroughs in the whole of Europe, the Inclusive Irons group comprises fans who have grown up in the area supporting West Ham United and want to encourage more Black and Asian people to come to games so that matchday experiences better reflect the area that is West Ham's heartland.
In a welcome break from studying for their A-Levels, local lads Aadam and Ismael were only too pleased to be invited to take part in the kit shoot on Hackney Marshes.
“We come from so many backgrounds. But once you’re at the ground, none of it matters”
Aadam, a sixth-form student at Shoreditch College, has supported West Ham United for as long as he can remember. From the Boleyn Ground to London Stadium, his love for the Club, a bond he shares with his mother, with whom he holds Season Tickets, runs deep. For him, supporting West Ham is a defining part of his east London identity.
“My mum grew up right outside Upton Park, so it's always been in my blood. She took me to the games at Upton Park. From the first game I watched I was fascinated.
“West Ham is just one massive family. It's a community. It doesn't really matter what goes on outside of the stadium, once you're at the game, everyone is connected. Everyone's there for one reason and we're all there almost as a group, a community. We’re a Club that’s proud of our roots.
“East London is so diverse. We come from so many backgrounds. But once you're there, none of it really matters.
“That being said, it still feels really good to be represented. To show your support and for others to feel welcome as well. So that anyone who feels like they can be part of West Ham. West Ham is not a single narrative or a single group. You can be anyone and support West Ham.”
“West Ham gives you something about your community to be proud of”
For Ismael, who joined Inclusive Irons with his dad and his uncles, West Ham United means more than just football, it means community, heritage, and a sense of belonging.
“I grew up quite close to the Green Street area and my dad’s a West Ham fan, so I’ve supported West Ham since birth. Because we grew up in east London.
“Being able to be so closely associated with the Club, it brings you so much closer, pushing people from our backgrounds to come and support West Ham. West Ham is just one big family.
“Growing up supporting them, I think it gives you something about your community to be proud of. Supporting your roots, supporting where you've grown up.”
The 2025/26 West Ham United Home Kit is available to purchase online and in store now.
