The Premier League trophy made its way to West Ham United Foundation (WHUF) in Beckton this week for an event which celebrated Rashid Abba, WHUF Employability Manager and Academy Link Mentor.
Club Ambassador and 1994/95 Premier League title winner Tony Gale and WHUF CEO Joseph Lyons presented Rashid with the Premier League’s Community Captain award on behalf of West Ham United, recognising his outstanding impact in the community.
To commemorate the Premier League’s financial contributions to communities across the country over the last 30 years, the coveted trophy has been toured around clubs across the top four divisions of the football pyramid. As part of its seven-week national tour, the Premier League Trophy arrived at the WHUF base in Beckton on Monday morning for Rashid’s Community Club Captain nomination.
During his 18-year tenure at the Club, Rashid has spearheaded the Foundation’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Through his dedicated work as a coach, an academy link mentor, a scout and as the Foundation’s employability manager, Rashid has managed to support both young people and adults into new opportunities and pathways, from grassroots communities to elite environments.
“I’m extremely honoured to receive this award.” said a joyous Rashid. “This is on behalf of all the colleagues I’ve worked with at the Foundation. I feel very privileged as this is a special award which really reflects what we’re all about at the Foundation in terms of inspiring and engaging the communities we serve here in East London.”
Commenting on Rashid’s service as a member of the Foundation, WHUF CEO Joseph Lyons described what a tremendous asset Rashid is to all the different branches of the organisation: “If there’s a programme we’ve delivered in the nine years I’ve been at the Foundation, I guarantee Rashid has been involved in it one way or another.” said Lyons. “You don’t often get a Rashid. You don’t often get someone who dedicates a significant part of their life to helping others and the community as a whole.”
Presenting him with the Community Captain’s armband was West Ham United legend and Club Ambassador, Tony Gale. Having met Rashid in China a few years previously while representing the Club, Gale was already familiar with Rashid’s tireless work in service of the community.
“He’s so deserving of this award.” said Gale. “People like Rashid should be getting awards. You want these stories going around the country. It’s great to see his work and dedication recognised by the Premier League and all the clubs.”
Following the formal award presentation, Rashid and Gale engaged in a Q&A with learners from The Training Ground and Post-16 Football and Education programmes where they discussed their extended careers in football and emphasised the importance of education in gaining employment in sport.
“There are so many opportunities in football, so education is key.” said Gale. “If you can back it up with confidence and belief in yourself, a door is bound to open.”
Some completers of The Training Ground programme, a football-themed personal development initiative designed to provide participants aged 16-25 with core employability skills and career pathway support, attended in order to thank Rashid for the meaningful difference he had on their lives.
Having been guided by Rashid in his journey to becoming a football coach, Mo was quick to praise his mentor for providing him with the necessary skills to succeed in his new role: “He deserves it so much.” he said. “It makes me happy to see him do well. The programme changed my life, so I’d do anything for Rashid! He’ll always be my mentor and he’s a West Ham legend!”
Another one of the many members of the West Ham United community who has benefited from Rashid’s mentoring support was Sheldon, who has just started his own football foundation working with young people in South London: “Rashid has inspired us so much.” he said. “The skills I’ve learned from him have been so helpful in my coaching journey. It’s been really uplifting for us coaches who have learned from him to see him receive the award.”
The sizeable crowd of players and mentees that gathered to pay tribute to Rashid’s work was testament to his continuing inspirational work and the dedication to his communities. If you or anyone you know would like to get involved in the programmes mentioned in this article, please get in touch with Rashid at [email protected].
