Key Points
- West Ham United Foundation runs The Training Ground+ programme for young people aged 16-25.
- The programme offers workshops, mentoring, physical activities, volunteering, and employability support.
- Partnership with Department for Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus, Street Soccer Foundation, Paragon, and the Prince’s Trust.
- Activities take place at The Foundry, a community hub in one of East London’s most deprived boroughs.
- Aim is to tackle youth unemployment and disengagement from education/training with a holistic, culturally sensitive approach.
- The Foundry provides a state-of-the-art environment boosting programme reach and impact.
- The programme includes 1-2-1 and group mentoring, careers events, job fairs, football tournaments, and workshops on resilience, communication, and CV writing.
What is the West Ham United Foundation’s The Training Ground+ programme?
As reported by the West Ham United Foundation, The Training Ground+ is an initiative designed to support young men and women aged 16 to 25 in East London seeking pathways into education, employment, or training. The programme delivers weekly workshops and activities that build essential personal and interpersonal skills, boost employability, and provide volunteering opportunities.
These workshops cover topics such as resilience, communication skills, self-esteem, personal growth, and practical skills like CV writing. Participants engage in physical activities for mental wellbeing and receive nutritional support during sessions. The programme also offers 1-2-1 and group mentoring alongside invitations to careers events, job fairs, and football tournaments, enhancing social and professional opportunities for local youth.
Why is The Training Ground+ important for East London’s youth?
According to statements from West Ham United Foundation representatives, research indicates that one in eight young people nationally are not in education, employment, or training, equating to over a million youths facing this challenge. The programme specifically targets local young people from some of the most deprived boroughs of East London to aid their personal development.
The foundation emphasises that young people from these communities understand the local cultures, demographics, languages, and dress codes, making them ideal role models to inspire change. Since The Foundry is situated in one of the most deprived boroughs in England and Europe, empowering these youths is critical because they can connect meaningfully with local communities that larger institutions often cannot reach.
How does The Foundry enhance the programme?
The Foundry, a state-of-the-art community hub opened in July 2025, marks a major milestone for the West Ham United Foundation. The facility enables the programme to expand its partnerships and work with more major stakeholders, providing a vibrant, inspiring, and aspirational environment for young people.
This enhanced setting not only increases the capacity to deliver workshops and mentoring sessions but also boosts the practical work experience opportunities. The Foundry’s E6 Kitchen, where young people gain hands-on work skills, exemplifies how this facility supports both personal and professional growth.
Who partners with the West Ham United Foundation on The Training Ground+?
The programme collaborates closely with multiple organisations, including the Department for Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus, Street Soccer Foundation, Paragon, and the Prince’s Trust. These partnerships bring in expertise, resources, and additional mentoring to support participants effectively.
Together, they offer a comprehensive range of weekly workshops, activities, mentoring sessions, and access to practical work placements, all aimed at equipping young people with the skills and confidence needed to enter education, employment, or training pathways successfully.
What impact does the programme aim to have on young people?
The Training Ground+ aims to empower local youth by equipping them with personal development tools, employability skills, and social support networks. By combining workshops, mentoring, physical activities, and practical work experience, it seeks to improve mental wellbeing, build self-esteem, and enhance career readiness.
The foundation believes that empowering young people to take ownership of their futures and become visible community role models will create a ripple effect, benefiting individuals, families, and the wider community in East London. It highlights the programme’s holistic approach to helping youths not just find jobs or education but develop as confident, resilient individuals.
About the West Ham United Foundation
The Foundation is the charitable arm of West Ham United Football Club, focused on leveraging sport and education to improve lives, particularly for young people in East London. The launch of The Foundry facility strengthens its capacity to provide innovative community programmes and partnerships that foster development and inclusion.
