Pride Of Irons Visit Rush Green for West Ham LGBT+ Month, Rush Green 2026

Key Points

• West Ham United hosted members of its official LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Group, Pride Of Irons, at Rush Green Training Ground this week.
• The visit aligns with the Premier League With Pride campaign and LGBT+ History Month.
• Pride Of Irons members met players from the Men’s team, who expressed support for the group and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
• Members observed the start of the Men’s team training session from the sidelines as Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad prepares for the Premier League away fixture against Liverpool.
• The event underscores West Ham United’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Pride Of Irons contributes to an inclusive matchday environment at London Stadium for LGBTQ+ supporters and allies.
• Pride Of Irons member Amanda Riley highlighted the significance of the behind-the-scenes access and the club’s support.
• Max Rowley, Trans Officer for Pride Of Irons, emphasised the importance of inclusion in football, reflecting society’s diversity.

Rush Green, Essex (East London Times) February 26, 2026 – West Ham United has welcomed members of its official LGBTQ+ Supporters’ Group, Pride Of Irons, to the Rush Green Training Ground this week, as part of the Premier League With Pride campaign and to mark LGBT+ History Month. The visit allowed supporters to meet players from the Men’s team, who voiced their backing for the group and the wider LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the club’s dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This initiative comes amid ongoing preparations for the Hammers’ upcoming Premier League clash away at Liverpool under manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

The event provided a rare glimpse behind the scenes for Pride Of Irons members, who joined the sidelines at the start of the Men’s team training session. It forms a key part of West Ham’s broader efforts to recognise LGBT+ History Month, a period dedicated to reflecting on progress towards equality, celebrating LGBTQ+ contributions to society, and reinforcing football’s role as an inclusive sport for all.

Pride Of Irons, accessible via its official website at prideofirons.com, has been instrumental in creating a welcoming atmosphere at London Stadium. Through visibility campaigns, community engagement, and direct dialogue with club officials, the group ensures LGBTQ+ fans and allies feel safe, valued, and proud.

What Occurred During the Pride Of Irons Visit to Rush Green?

The visit to Rush Green Training Ground represented a significant moment of engagement between West Ham United and its LGBTQ+ supporters. As detailed in the club’s official announcement, members of Pride Of Irons arrived to meet players from the Men’s team.

These interactions allowed players to demonstrate their support not only for the group but for the entire LGBTQ+ community, aligning with the club’s values of equality and inclusion.

During the session, supporters stood on the sidelines as Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad kicked off training. This hands-on experience offered a unique perspective on the preparations for the Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled as the next major test for the Hammers.

The timing during LGBT+ History Month amplified the event’s impact, tying it directly to the Premier League With Pride initiative, which promotes inclusivity across the top flight. Further details on the campaign are available at premierleague.com/en/footballandcommunity/plwithpride.

Why Does This Visit Matter for West Ham United’s Commitment to Inclusion?

West Ham United’s hosting of Pride Of Irons underscores a sustained effort to foster diversity within the club and its fanbase. The official statement from the club emphasises that the visit reinforces ongoing work in equality, diversity, and inclusion. By inviting the group to a key training facility like Rush Green, the Hammers signal tangible support beyond mere rhetoric.

This aligns with broader observations of the club’s initiatives. Pride Of Irons has played a vital role in shaping an inclusive matchday environment at London Stadium, where all supporters – regardless of background – can feel at home.

The group’s activities, including visibility efforts and community outreach, have helped transform the stadium into a space where Hammers fans feel safe and proud.

As reported in the club’s release, the visit is part of wider recognition of LGBT+ History Month. This month serves as a platform to reflect on historical progress towards equality, honour LGBTQ+ contributions across society, and recommit to making football accessible to everyone.

What Did Pride Of Irons Members Say About the Experience?

Personal testimonies from Pride Of Irons members added emotional depth to the visit. Amanda Riley, a lifelong West Ham fan and dedicated matchgoer, shared her reflections in the club’s official coverage. “Being a lifelong West Ham fan and going to all the games, it’s nice to see behind the scenes, where the players come to train for the matches,” Riley stated.

“To be invited by the Club it shows they are with us and support Pride Of Irons.”

Riley’s comments highlight the personal significance of the invitation, bridging the gap between fans and the professional setup at Rush Green. Her words capture a sense of validation from the club, reinforcing the group’s place within the West Ham community.

How Did Max Rowley Emphasise Inclusion in Football?

Max Rowley, serving as Trans Officer for Pride Of Irons, provided further insight into the event’s broader implications. In the official club announcement, Rowley remarked:

“Inclusion in football is really important, football is ingrained in society and society reflects people from different walks of life, different areas and different beliefs and Pride Of Irons makes sure it remains important, for our LGBTQ+ fans.”

Rowley’s statement positions Pride Of Irons as a guardian of diversity in the sport. By advocating for representation across various backgrounds, the group ensures football mirrors society’s rich tapestry, making it welcoming for LGBTQ+ supporters.

How Does Pride Of Irons Contribute to West Ham’s Matchday Atmosphere?

Pride Of Irons’ influence extends far beyond this single visit. The group actively fosters an inclusive environment at London Stadium through sustained efforts. According to the club’s statement, their work in visibility, community engagement, and dialogue with West Ham officials has been pivotal. This has cultivated a matchday experience where LGBTQ+ fans and allies alike feel secure and celebrated.

The organisation’s official website, prideofirons.com, serves as a hub for these initiatives, offering resources and updates on their campaigns. Such contributions align with the Premier League’s overarching goals, as seen in the With Pride programme.

What Is LGBT+ History Month and Its Relevance to Football?

LGBT+ History Month, observed annually in February, provides context for the timing of this event. It encourages reflection on strides made in equality, celebration of LGBTQ+ achievements, and renewed pledges for inclusivity. West Ham United’s activities, including the Rush Green visit, embody this spirit within football.

The Premier League With Pride campaign complements these efforts, uniting clubs in promoting acceptance. By integrating such initiatives, football positions itself as a leader in social progress, ensuring the sport remains for everyone.

Who Is Nuno Espírito Santo and What Role Did His Squad Play?

Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham’s manager, oversaw the training session observed by Pride Of Irons members. His squad’s preparations for the Liverpool fixture provided the backdrop for the visit, blending sporting focus with social engagement. Players’ interactions with the group demonstrated unified support, as noted in the club’s coverage.

This seamless integration shows how elite football can champion inclusivity without disrupting performance routines.

What Broader Impact Does This Have on LGBTQ+ Fans at West Ham?

For LGBTQ+ supporters, events like this affirm their belonging in the West Ham family. Amanda Riley’s enthusiasm for the behind-the-scenes access illustrates growing accessibility. Max Rowley’s advocacy ensures diverse voices shape the club’s culture.

The visit also signals to allies the importance of solidarity, potentially inspiring wider fan participation in inclusion efforts. As Pride Of Irons continues its work, London Stadium stands as a beacon of pride for all Hammers.

How Does This Fit into Premier League-Wide Initiatives?

The Premier League With Pride campaign frames West Ham’s actions within a league-wide push. Detailed at premierleague.com, it encourages clubs to amplify LGBTQ+ voices. West Ham’s execution, via the Rush Green visit, exemplifies best practice.

Such alignment strengthens football’s reputation as a progressive force, countering past perceptions of exclusivity.