Legends of West Ham Unite for Foundation Golf Day Fundraiser

This week, the West Ham United Foundation held its largest and most significant fundraiser of the year at The Shire golf course in Barnet, where supporters and past players came together to raise money. The event raised almost £60,000.

The Foundation utilizes golf as a means of raising vital funding for its community programs, with support from hole sponsors AMG Waterproofing and Shawbrook Bank in addition to Patron Corporate Partner Paragon.

Legends of Claret and Blue, including Paul Brush, George Parris, Kenny Brown, “Mad Dog” Martin Allen, John Moncur, Stuart Slater, Jimmy Walker, Matt Jarvis, James Collins, and Matty Etherington, were present at the occasion.

The morning fourballs at The Shire, regarded as the best golfing experience in London, gave West Ham supporters a chance to meet some of the players they have come to admire over the years.

Andy Lapthorne, a wheelchair tennis star, was one such childhood Hammer. In support of the Foundation’s Golf Day, the 17-time Grand Slam champion traveled 2,300 miles from Antalya, where he had recently participated at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup qualifications over the weekend.

He laughed, “I was in Turkey the night before and only got home at two in the morning.” “I really wanted to show my support since I know how important today is for the Foundation—raising money for all of their community programs.

Joined by childhood friend Jack, the pair teamed up with ‘Chopper’ Stuart Slater and West Ham United Academy Manager Kenny Brown for the 18 holes.

“My dad knows them both, and I’m well versed in the history of the Club, so I know them quite well!” he continued. “I’ve seen plenty of clips of Stuart during his early playing days at West Ham. Two really nice down-to-earth guys just chatting all things West Ham. It was a real laugh!”

Earlier in the season, Jade, a university student enrolled in the WHUF Sports Coaching & Performance degree who also has cerebral palsy, participated in a wheelchair tennis activation conducted by the Foundation and attended by Lapthorne, Tomáš Souček, and Vladimír Coufal. Days like these, said Lapthorne, who is a fervent supporter of inclusive sports, highlight the significance of the Club’s efforts in the community promoting inclusiveness.

“People with disabilities find great inspiration in activities like those,” he stated. It demonstrates to young people in particular that participating in sports is feasible. It’s wonderful that West Ham players are supporting it as well, as the media helps to further spread the word.

Being a wheelchair user myself, I think it’s critical to share the word that using a wheelchair doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your goals and participating in your favorite activity. It was amazing to watch Souček and Coufal get into the wheelchairs, move around, and have fun.

James Collins, a passionate advocate for the Foundation’s initiatives, took part in his third consecutive charity golf outing.

“It’s a real privilege to be involved at the Club in this capacity,” he remarked. Like it was when I was playing, the Foundation is an integral component of the Club. Often, the boys and I would visit neighborhood programs to witness the incredible work being done to help