February 25 – You will often hear English football fans say “you are born with your club”. Your club can often be the only thing you have left in your old age. West Ham has recognised this and is the first Premier League club to open its doors as part of a new community initiative.
The West Ham United Foundation have linked up with the charity Friends of the Elderly and Barclays Digital Eagles in a joint initiative called Sporting Stories in order to tackle the problem of chronic loneliness among older people.
Research shows there is a significant increase in the number of men facing loneliness and isolation in old age with as many as 1.5 million older men likely to be living alone by 2030 – a 65% increase from today.
Sporting Stories aims to reach as many older people as possible. The three organisation are looking to use sport as a means to generate communication, friendships and neighbourliness, gathering the older people at the club to share their memories around their common backgrounds.
The launch took place at a social event at Upton Park yesterday, where around 50 locals were invited to meet to talk about the club and the local area with fellow fans. The club’s joint-chairman, David Gold (pictured centre), was also on hand to share his own sporting stories
There was the opportunity to sign-up to a five-week follow-up programme where Barclays Digital eagles will be on hand to explain how to use digital technology to stay connected and capture their sporting memories.
Chief executive of West Ham United Foundation, Joseph Lyons said: ”We’re really excited about this new initiative. West Ham has always been a family club, but this really goes beyond partisan support and reaches out to those who just love the game. It’s an opportunity for people to share their memories and develop relationships, and for the Foundation to further our goal of improving wellbeing across our diverse society. Football has a unique ability to bring people together and kickstart social and community action, from children’s participation to intergenerational focus and communication to encouraging good health and fitness. Often the over 65s can become isolated, but they will always be a central part of our football community and we hope Sporting Stories will ensure that no-one is left on the touchline…”
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