Hackney Chronicle: A West Ham United Foundation 'captain' attended a Downing Street reception celebrating 25 years of the Football Foundation and described how football helped him off the path to crime and prison.
A West Ham United charity representative described how football helped him off the path to crime and prison. He attended a Downing Street reception hosted by the Prime Minister to celebrate 25 years of the Football Foundation. The West Ham United Foundation, represented by chief executive Joseph Lyons, joined participants at the event recognising the grassroots sport charity, which is funded by the Government, the FA, and the Premier League. Tayyab Hayat, named West Ham’s More Than a Game Community Captain, attended a Premier League dinner at the House of Commons later that evening. Read more Cast list for Huw Edwards drama – what we know about new Channel 5 showRidley Market Sunday trading gets mixed reactions – 'It is not fair' He spoke during a Q&A about his own experience with Premier League Kicks, describing how the programme helped him choose a positive path growing up in Newham. Mr Hayat said: "It was an amazing experience to be invited to the House of Commons. The setting was very intimate, and it was great to be able to personally share my experiences in conversation with MPs, explaining how important it is to have opportunities like I did which can make all the difference. "Growing up in Newham was very difficult. I always told myself I wasn’t destined for much and so I just basically copied other boys who were being anti-social. "By getting involved with the Foundation and Premier League Kicks I got a choice of two pathways. Where those boys have ended up in prison or not here, I was able to use the support of the Foundation and Premier League Kicks to take more positive pathways and build a future for myself. I’m proud to be able to share my journey to help others now too." Prime Minister Keir Starmer used the occasion to announce plans to work with communities and the sporting sector to identify facility needs and ensure that future investment is targeted effectively. He said: "I’ve played football for many years, and I know just how important it is to get out, play sport, and stay active. But that’s not possible without investment in great facilities. "I’m proud that this government is turning that around. From new football pitches to padel courts, we’re making sure everyone has somewhere to play." The Football Foundation has invested more than £1.3 billion over the past 25 years, delivering more than 1,300 new or improved 3G pitches, improving over 15,000 grass pitches, and more than 1,700 changing rooms. The Prime Minister continued: "It was a real privilege to be part of the event and to see 25 years of the Football Foundation recognised in that way. "Their support has made a huge difference to us as a Foundation – from our 3G pitch to our community hub at The Foundry – and we see first-hand every day the impact that investment has on people across our communities. "Having some of our young people from Premier League Kicks there to experience it as well made it even more special. It’s something they’ll carry with them for a long time." The event also celebrated 20 years of Premier League Kicks, a programme launched in partnership with the Metropolitan Police in 2006 that provides free weekly football sessions and educational workshops for young people in safe and supportive environments. The programme now operates in 93 clubs and is supported by 38 police forces.