West Ham United’s Academy has been going all out to celebrate and showcase Black History Month. Throughout October, young Hammers at Rush Green and Chadwell Heath have been engaging in a variety of events and talks that highlight the diversity of the Academy of Football.
One of the standout events was ‘My Shirt My History’, where players from Under 9s to Under 16s were encouraged to wear a shirt representing their family’s heritage. For those without a direct link to Black History, they were invited to research a country of their choice and wear a representative shirt. The aim was to create a visual representation of the Academy community’s diversity and spark conversations among players, parents, guardians, and coaches.
Another highlight was a talk by Matt Tiller, the author of Jack Leslie’s biography. Leslie, a pioneering striker, was the first Black player to be selected by England in 1925. However, he was dropped when selectors discovered the color of his skin. Tiller shared Leslie’s inspiring story with the young players, emphasizing the progress that has been made while acknowledging the challenges that still exist.
The U12s from West Ham United also had a special outing to Tilbury Docks to learn about and celebrate the Windrush generation. They visited the site where the HMT Empire Windrush docked in 1948, marking the start of the Windrush Generation’s migration from the Caribbean to the UK. The U12s had the opportunity to explore the dock, learn about the incredible story of Walter Tull, and even participate in a Creative Writing Workshop led by Vickie Donoghue.
These events and activities not only celebrate Black History Month but also contribute to the Academy’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. West Ham United’s Academy has recently been awarded the Advanced level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS), further highlighting their dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all players.
By organizing these events and providing educational opportunities, West Ham United’s Academy is ensuring that young players are aware of the struggles and achievements of Black individuals in football and society. It is through education and celebration that progress is made, and the Academy is playing a vital role in shaping the future of the sport.
Black History Month may be coming to an end, but the impact of these events will continue to resonate within the West Ham United Academy and inspire the next generation of footballers.