West Ham United marked South Asian Heritage Month, which runs from 18 July to 17 August, with a powerful celebration of culture and community.
While the focus remains on widening the net of opportunity, a number of activities took place throughout the month, including: South Asian Talent Identification days at Chadwell Heath in partnership with Lyca Mobile, a Roots to Routes workshop at The Foundry, an Inclusive Irons summer social in partnership with Desi Ballers, and a visit from the Pakistan Street Child Football Team in partnership with international charity Muslim Hands.
The Roots to Routes event at The Foundry brought together more than 25 coaches, partners, members of grassroots clubs and representatives from the London FA for an evening of cultural celebration, with an interactive workshop to explore the journeys of South Asian footballers past, present and future using a heritage tree activity to share stories and inspire discussion.
Several coaches who were in attendance for the Roots to Routes event have also assisted with the delivery of South Asian Talent Identification days, in partnership with Lyca Mobile. Across two days, more than 220 players aged between seven and eight attended the Talent Identification events, which saw 22 successful players selected to play in the Premier League’s national Emerging Talent Festival in Loughborough. Following that tournament, players and their families visited the West Ham Academy at Chadwell Heath for a training session with Academy coaches, where a number of individuals were then selected for West Ham United’s pre-Academy.
Both the Roots to Routes event and the South Asian Talent Identification days were led by Rashid Abba, who works tirelessly in both his roles for the West Ham United Foundation as Employability Manager and for West Ham United as the Academy Link Mentor. Abba was also instrumental in the organisation of the Pakistan Street Child Football Team’s recent visit to The Foundry.
The team, whose players have overcome significant challenges to represent their country on the international stage, visited The Foundry, the Foundation’s brand-new £4.7 million state-of-the-art facility, for a special training session and workshop, before competing in a friendly fixture the following day at the London Marathon Community Track against the West Ham United Foundation Under-17s team, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 in front of more than 300 spectators.
The Pakistan Street Child Football Team, managed by Syed Muhammad Owais, is made up of young people from across the country who have faced significant social and economic hardship.
“Many of these boys had no official identity, they weren’t even registered citizens and had no ID cards,” said Owais. “Getting them identification and passports so they could travel for international fixtures has been life-changing.
“One of our players came from a home where there was no food on the table. He went on to represent Pakistan in the Asia Cup qualifiers and now has a professional contract in Tajikistan.
“Football has changed the way their communities see them. They went from being looked down on as street kids to being welcomed back as role models.”
By opening its doors to the Pakistan Street Child Football Team, the West Ham United Foundation not only offered elite-level training and competition but also provided a platform for cultural exchange, mutual respect and inspiration.
For Arslan Mustafa Aziz, the UK Manager for Muslim Hands’ Street Child projects, football is a vital tool for engagement and transformation.
Aziz said: “The Street Child project started with the simple aim of giving street-connected children an identity, so they could access education, healthcare and opportunities. The message is loud and clear: ‘I am somebody’. They are seen and they are heard and that will inspire so many more children around the world.
“Football is a worldwide language and we see it as a way to engage street-connected children, develop their skills and help turn their dreams into reality.”
Joseph Lyons, CEO of West Ham United Foundation, said: “We were thrilled to welcome the team to London for an exciting and action-packed schedule. Our new community hub, The Foundry, stands as a global beacon for opportunity and inclusion, and we’re proud to establish it as a trusted space where journeys begin. This visit is a meaningful part of the Club's ongoing commitment to engage and identify talent within South Asian communities, and we’re excited for what this collaboration represents.”
With West Ham United Foundation and Muslim Hands partnering for this occasion, it reflects a shared commitment to using football as a force for good, whether that’s creating opportunities for young people in east London or supporting life-changing programmes across the globe.
Beyond South Asian Heritage Month, the West Ham United Foundation continues to work year-round to engage, inspire and create opportunities for people of South Asian heritage in local communities and beyond.
