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A celebration of community and connection was on full display at The Foundry recently, as the Any Old Irons walking football team faced off against the West Ham United Foundation walking football side in a spirited series of friendly matches.

Bringing together participants from across east London and Essex, the occasion highlighted exactly what walking football is all about: opportunity, inclusion and enjoyment, while reinforcing the powerful role football continues to play in connecting people of all ages and backgrounds.

Hosted at the Foundation’s state-of-the-art facility, The Foundry, matches were played in fantastic spirit throughout. Both teams demonstrated not only impressive skill and tactical awareness, but also a shared respect for the game and one another. Laughter, encouragement and friendly competition echoed around the pitch, creating an atmosphere that perfectly captured the ethos of the Foundation’s community programmes.

The Any Old Irons supporters’ group, made up of lifelong West Ham fans, relished the opportunity to take on the Foundation’s regular walking football participants. For many, it was more than just a match; it was a chance to reconnect with the sport they love and meet like-minded supporters.

Tony, representing the Foundation’s walking football team, reflected on the day with enthusiasm. He said: “It was a really enjoyable day. Any Old Irons were friendly, skilful and played the game in great spirit, which made it a fantastic occasion for everyone involved.

“It was especially nice to have proper opposition and to play here at the West Ham United Foundation on such a high-quality pitch. The Foundation have done a wonderful job with the facilities.”

Across the pitch, Any Old Irons participant Peter was enjoying a remarkable return to the game. Having not played competitively for decades, the experience proved both rewarding and inspiring.

He said: “I hadn’t played competitive football since my late 20s, so to be back out there at 70 was a real experience.

“I was a bit unsure at first, but the encouragement from everyone has been fantastic and made it really enjoyable. The standard today was great and the opposition improved as the games went on and played really well.

“More than anything, it’s just brilliant to be out there with fellow West Ham fans, enjoying the game again. I’ve been to The Foundry a few times and what the West Ham United Foundation have created here is absolutely brilliant. It’s a fantastic environment, and I’m so pleased I came along and got involved.”

A celebration of community and connection was on full display at The Foundry recently, as the Any Old Irons walking football team faced off against the West Ham United Foundation walking football side in a spirited series of friendly matches. Bringing together participants from across east London and Essex, the occasion highlighted exactly what walking football is all about: opportunity, inclusion and enjoyment, while reinforcing the powerful role football continues to play in connecting people of all ages and backgrounds. — Pic credit: West Ham United Foundation

After a closely contested series of matches, the day culminated in a penalty shootout, an exciting and fitting finale that brought players and spectators together in shared anticipation and celebration. While results mattered little, the shootout added a sense of occasion and a friendly rivalry that rounded the day off perfectly.

Beyond the action on the pitch, the event served as a powerful showcase of the wide-ranging work delivered by the West Ham United Foundation. The Foundry stands as a hub for community engagement, offering a diverse programme of activities that extend far beyond football. From health and wellbeing sessions to education, employability support and inclusive sports initiatives, the Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact across the local community.

Walking football, in particular, has become a cornerstone of that offering, providing a welcoming, accessible way for older adults to stay active, social and connected. As the players shook hands and shared stories after the final whistle, it was clear that the day had been about far more than just football.

Source: https://www.whufc.com/en/news/walking-football-sides-meet-at-the-foundry-for-friendly-fixtures

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