
Foundation and Premier League Inspires empower young changemakers at Chadwell Heath
In an inspiring event at Chadwell Heath, the home of the West Ham United Academy and women’s team, young students from The Bromfords School and Jo Richardson Community School showcased their passion and commitment to social change.
Thanks to the collaboration between the West Ham United Foundation and Premier League Inspires, students have spent the last few months working on impactful social-action projects centred around the theme of gender equality.
Over the past weeks, the West Ham Foundation team guided students through the process of creating meaningful initiatives aimed at addressing gender disparities. The initiative empowered young minds to analyse societal challenges and develop innovative solutions that promote inclusivity in sports and beyond.
Three student groups took centre stage to present their ideas before an esteemed panel – including two Academy players, West Ham United Football Club’s Head of Safeguarding and Foundation Trustee Jackie Ferdinand, and Academy Manager Kenny Brown.
The presentations reflected the students’ dedication, creativity and desire to foster a more equal future.
Following careful deliberations, one standout group was selected to represent the West Ham United Foundation at the National Premier League Inspires Challenge event, where they will showcase their project on a larger stage.
The event also featured a guest talk by Nicole Farley, a trailblazer in football as the first-ever female coach to be part of West Ham United’s coaching staff.
Farley shared her inspiring journey in football, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs she experienced while breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her words resonated deeply with the students, offering motivation and insight into the importance of perseverance and self-belief.