Andy Devaney
In the heart of East London, Hammers for Hope isn’t just a slogan — it’s a lifeline. Last week, the West Ham United Foundation welcomed 80 local residents facing or at risk of homelessness to The Foundry in Beckton, Newham, for a day that blended dignity, support, and community spirit in true claret and blue fashion.
Backed by the Premier League and the Professional Footballers’ Association, Hammers for Hope is far more than a goodwill gesture. It’s a structured programme that combines tailored physical activity, employability support, and wellbeing resources to help people take meaningful steps toward long-term independence.
The Foundation’s partnership with Your Place, a local charity determined to solve homelessness “one person at a time,” has become a cornerstone of the initiative. Together, they’re creating a safe space for those rebuilding confidence, learning new skills, and finding stability after life’s toughest challenges.
As part of the initiative, the Foundation opened the doors of The Foundry to groups from nine East London homeless services. Guests accessed a range of vital resources — from haircuts provided by Haircuts4Homeless to guidance from the Newham Family Hub Network, dental reviews and financial advice courtesy of Change Please, and catering and training sessions from Beyond Food, The Foundry’s E6 Kitchen partner.
And it wasn’t just about services — it was about connection. The West Ham men’s and women’s first team players showed their support, with Shelina Zadorsky, Amber Tysiak, and Seraina Piubel sending a warm welcome via video message. Tomáš Souček and Konstantinos Mavropanos joined Club Ambassador Anton Ferdinand on site, listening to stories, shaking hands, and showing the Club’s community roots run far deeper than the pitch.
Volunteers from Goldman Sachs also rolled up their sleeves, manning stations and chatting with guests to help turn a charitable event into something far more powerful — a shared moment of humanity.
And Hammers for Hope doesn’t stop there. Every Saturday, the Foundation’s night shelter at The Foundry opens its doors to 15 rough sleepers referred by local charity NEWdawn. Inside, they find private showers, warm meals, a safe bed, and the kind of holistic support that can spark a new beginning during the coldest months of the year.
Joseph Lyons, CEO of the West Ham United Foundation, summed up the day with the kind of sincerity that defines the project:
“The Foundry exists to make sure our community feels seen, supported and valued – and today is a reflection of that purpose in action. Events like this are about dignity, connection and making sure people know they are not facing difficult circumstances alone. We are proud to stand with our community and to continue providing support that is not just meaningful in the moment, but part of a longer journey of hope, opportunity and belonging.”
For guests like Fred, that message hit home: “I love what West Ham Football Club is doing. I met the volunteers, had a chat with them, played some games. They were so lovely, caring, and kind. It’s made my day. I’ve gone out, met new friends, chatted with people, and learned a bit about this place [The Foundry]. The day is about unity – bringing the community together and making sure everybody participates.”
And as Anton Ferdinand put it, Hammers for Hope is about more than football — it’s about family:
“West Ham has always believed in looking after our own – and that extends far beyond football. Today has been about listening to people, understanding their stories and making sure they know they matter. That’s what community is. That’s what this Club represents.”
From the roar of the London Stadium to the quiet conversations at The Foundry, Hammers for Hope is proof that West Ham United’s greatest victories don’t always come on the pitch — sometimes, they come from helping people stand tall again.
