By Tim Parsons-
A West Ham innovative project called ”Any Old Irons” is helping lifelong fans who are lonely make friends.
The overall goal is to prevent older people becoming isolated and lonely in later life, The eye of media.com has been told.
The scheme seeks to put fans in touch with each other to help them share memories of their club and the beautiful game.
For Stephen Maynard, 67, a member of the first group to take part, the project has made a big difference to his life.
The charity which supports older people has amalgamated with the West Ham Foundation to set up the project. It is open to up to 20 fans aged 65 and upwards.Fans being helped under the scheme have been introduced to stars from the club and have also enjoyed a guided tour of West Ham’s new London Stadium home in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. A spokesperson from West Ham club told the eye of media.com ”this initiative is one of the very best in existence by any football club in the U.K. There are many isolated long term loyal fans of various clubs who are easily forgotten and left to their own devices , suffering isolation in silence. With this project, fans who gave loyally followed our club for donkey years receive our support, and it puts a smile on our faces to see thEm smile”.
The West Ham innovative project is supported by the Football Association, Professional Footballers’ Association, and West Ham Foundation and the charity, the money is awarded to clubs who then put it to use helping people who are most in need within their communities.
The demand for such schemes is on the rise, with statistical reports suggesting that there are millions in the U.K who suffer loneliness in private, especially the elderly over the age of 65.West Ham football team has many loyal fans in the U.K who flock to see every match. ”Our supporters have got to be one of the most loyal in the country, West Hm’s spokesperson told the eye of media.com, the club gets so many warm cards and messages in the year, especially during christmas. The passion and love our fans have for the club is very touching”.
Among West Ham’s celebrity fans is comedian Russell Brand, who himself has attended many of West Ham’s matches.It will be good to see many other clubs take a leaf from West Ham’s book and support lonely people among the elderly who have supported the club for decades.